NZ Christian Proprietors Trust | A Charitable Trust providing National Synergy with Local Identity as the Proprietor of a Network of State-Integrated Schools in New Zealand since 2008
Our History
In 2006, a group with a heart for growing Christian education, driven by a national proprietorship vision, formed the NZ Christian Proprietors Trust.
The original trustees, Vaughan Darby, John Bolam, Warwick Rope, Jim Grayson, Clinton Sanford, and Quentin Currall, consulted with representatives from Christian school proprietors in Christchurch and Tauranga to consider opportunities for expanding the network of non-denominational state-integrated Christian schools, as well as raising the bar on Special Character delivery.
At an NZCPT retreat in July 2008, the vision, mission, and initial strategic plan were established. Mark Larson became Chairperson, and agencies were established in the north of the North Island (Vaughan Darby), the balance of the North Island (Graham Preston), and the South Island (Andy van Ameyde). While some Trustees have changed over the years, the vision of the NZCPT has remained constant, providing stable governance support and liaison with the Ministry of Education to an increasing number of schools and Land Trusts around the country.
The NZ Christian Proprietors Trust's network of schools has grown from serving a few hundred students to over 3,000.
The NZCPT successfully integrated KingsGate School in Pukekohe in 2007. Today, this is a Year 0-11 school of over 250 pupils. In 2022, the school moved to a stunning new site and facilities on Blake Road, Pukekohe.
In 2015, Mahurangi Christian School became Horizon School, and the Mahurangi Baptist Charitable Trust passed the proprietorship of the School to the NZCPT. The school experienced significant growth and successfully applied to the Ministry of Education to transition to a Year 1-13 school.
At the beginning of 2010, the NZCPT became the Proprietor of KingsWay School, Orewa. This Year 0 – 13 school now caters for over 2000 students and a staff of 280.
Jireh Christian School is located in Avondale, with a student roll of 290. The NZCPT is working with the school to provide additional classroom space as the roll continues to grow.
In 2010, the NZCPT successfully integrated KingsView School (formerly Southern Lakes Christian School) in Queenstown. KingsView maintains a consistent roll of over 60 students.
In 2013, NZCPT assumed proprietorship of Hāwera Christian School (formerly Belmont Christian Academy). After leaving its previous site on the outskirts of town, the school has been operating from temporary premises in Hāwera. Long-term premises are being sought for use from January 2026.
During 2014, NZCPT also became the Proprietor of Excellere College, Whangarei (previously Kamo Christian School). The school has a roll of around 330 students and has recently constructed additional classrooms and physical education space to cater for roll growth.
At the beginning of 2022, Harvest Christian School joined our network and was initially located in Waimate North, Northland, near the country's first Christian school. Vibrant interest from the school community and other families in the Kerikeri area has led to the school's permanent relocation in 2024 to a beautiful 13-acre site with new facilities on the outskirts of Kerikeri township, courtesy of the Faith Harvest Trust.
In 2023, the NZCPT became the Proprietor of Miramar Christian School. It then worked with the Peniel Trust and Wellington Christian Education Trust to facilitate the school's relocation and expansion to Johnsonville. The school was renamed Wellington Hills Christian College in 2025 and is experiencing a rapid increase in student enrolments.