What Dannevirke High School has to offer you ...

All students who come to Dannevirke High School will be given the opportunity to excel in many programs and activities provided by the school and to develop into well-rounded, productive people. 

We usually have up to ten 'full-time' International Students, from a variety of countries, attending the School at any one time plus short term groups at various times throughout the year plus short-term groups at various times.

Welcoming School Community

Dannevirke High School was founded in 1903 and has a proud history of academic, sporting, and cultural achievement. Located in Dannevirke, it draws students from the town of Dannevirke and other settlements nearby which service the large surrounding rural area. We are a co-educational secondary school for Year 9 to Year 13 with pathways to higher education.

About Dannevirke

Dannevirke is the largest community in the Tararua District and is well serviced with a modern hospital, three secondary schools, and a growing commercial sector.  The town has it's own community radio station, 107FM, which is a great way to stay informed about local events and news. 

The farming district includes sheep and beef, deer, and dairying blocks but also incorporates many areas of natural beauty that students can enjoy as part of their time in the Tararua District.  These include local rivers and streams for fishing and swimming, native bush for walking, and the nearby Ruahine Ranges used by many for tramping and climbing activities.  The area has many other recreational facilities for students wishing to be involved in, team or individual sports and cultural activities based at the local Marae or other community venues.  Accessed less than an hour away by car are sandy beaches, caves, and the two main cities of Napier and Palmerston North. 

Prior to European settlement, Maori people of the Rangitane and Ngati Kahungunu lived in the area along the rivers and streams, fishing and hunting in the bountiful native bush.  The Makirikiri Marae and Aotea Meeting House have spectacular carvings illustrating the history of Maori people in the area.

In 1872 settlement began when 13 Danish and 8 Norwegian families arrived on the Hovding and Ballarat ships.  An area of high fern, scrub, and native bush greeted these travel weary pioneers.  Ballots for sections were drawn and Dannevirke began to take shape. 

A major fire in 1917 saw much of Dannevirke's shopping area destroyed, but Dannevirke people are made of sturdy stuff and the town was quickly rebuilt.  Dannevirke is now a town strong in sporting with excellent recreational facilities. 

The Dannevirke domain on Christian Street hosts attractive gardens settled amongst 20 hectares of scenic tranquility.  A children's playground, a small paddling pool, and skating rink are some of the facilities available for you to enjoy.  

Stroll around the Rose Garden and at nightspot the lighted fountain.  In the lower part of the Domain nestled within the urban boundaries are the bird aviaries and deer park.  Feed the ever-hungry ducks.  The Motor Camp is amongst this tranquil scenery.