Locals fed up with not having a secondary school in Northland's fastest growing town have come together to set up a school of their own.
The Mangawhai school will cut down on hours of travel for those who can afford to attend it.
Children in the area faced up to two hours on the bus per day when travelling for their education.
Secondary students who live in Mangawhai have to travel to Otamatea High School in Mangataroto, or Rodney High School in Wellsford — both about an hour away.
Former principal Jill Corkin, plans to open a private secondary school in Mangawhai next year.
She said the dream was to "have our kids stay here and be educated here" all the way until Year 13, and for them to "feel a real connection".
Mangawhai's primary school roll has doubled in just a few years.
Mangawhai Beach School principal Aaron Kemp said the majority of new parents were coming from Auckland for the lifestyle.
"Ten years ago, there was a high school mooted so I think it's just what we need," said Kemp.
The site for the new school has been secured and so has most of the funding.
It also has the support of the Ministry of Education.
Corkin added the school has been "overwhelmed" by the support.
"We know there are people out there who want their children to go to a school like this and there are people out there wanting to offer us pro-bono help and support to get the school off the ground and we've had some donations."
But — at $15,000 to $16,000 per student for a year of schooling — it would not be cheap.
One resident said that, with the price of fuel and groceries going up, they found the cost "a little bit unrealistic".
The Ministry of Education said families already have access to two secondary schools both within 34km. It said it was aware of the growing Mangawhai population and it was adding additional classrooms to existing schools.
SHARE ME