Our International Department

The Key philosophy of our programme is growing success

WelcomeNapier Boys' High School | International Department

Napier Boys’ High School has been a cornerstone of education since 1872, and we have proudly welcomed international students since 1990. When you step onto our campus, you immediately feel the history, the achievements, and the vibrant school spirit that define our community. We are deeply proud of our rich heritage, and our international students become an integral part of that ongoing legacy.

What truly sets our international programme apart is our commitment to forging genuine, lasting relationships. We prioritise open communication and strong connections with both our students and their families from day one. Recognising that every student is an individual with distinct aspirations and backgrounds, our philosophy is simple: we listen, we act, and we support to ensure each boy’s unique goals are met during his time with us.

Whether a student joins us for a single term or several years, our ultimate focus is on growing personal success. Through our extensive range of academic, sporting, and cultural opportunities, we challenge our boys to expand their horizons. We want every international student to leave Napier Boys’ with enhanced resilience, confidence, and self-management skills, alongside a profound sense of belonging. Ultimately, they leave knowing they have contributed significantly to the tradition of a truly great school, and we look forward to welcoming your son into our brotherhood.

Growing SuccessSince 1872

Napier Boys’ High School is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most successful schools. We take pride in our academic results, sporting achievements, cultural strengths, and strong traditional values. As part of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition and the Super Eight Schools Group, we offer a high-quality education for our students.

Our expansive campus and world-class environment feature:

  • A Prime Location: A 30-hectare campus situated right beside the sea.
  • Modern Learning: A fully wireless digital learning environment.
  • Extensive Sports Facilities: Spacious grounds including a large swimming complex and all-weather tennis and hockey facilities.
  • Unique Onsite Resources: The Holt Planetarium, alongside an adjacent 13-hectare school farm and vineyard.
  • Adventure & EOTC: A dedicated outdoor education camp.

This mix of tradition, modern facilities, and hands-on learning creates a unique Kiwi school experience. We invite you to explore life in our beautiful region. 

Weather: Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its Californian coastal climate with long hot summers, mild winters and maximum sunshine hours. Typical summer temperatures range from 26°C to 36°C (maximum daytime). In winter, high temperatures are between 15°C to 20°C. The pleasant and settled weather is one of the reasons people choose to visit and live in the region.

Getting here: Hawke’s Bay is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and is accessible by driving, flying and cruise ship. Getting here is enjoyable and easy. Hawke’s Bay is well serviced by daily direct Air New Zealand and Jetstar flights. Flights from Auckland take an average 55 minutes. The Hawke’s Bay Airport is located 10 minutes from Napier Boys’ High School.

Attractions: Hawke’s Bay has plenty to keep all ages occupied, including the world’s largest gannet colony, New Zealand’s oldest farmers market, the country’s only water-themed park, over 70 wineries, extensive cycle trails, wonderful cafes and restaurants, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, where you can swim with sharks. The Hawke’s Bay has world-class sporting facilities. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is ranked one of the top 50 golf courses in the world. Hawke’s Bay is considered the Art Deco Capital. Every year over 20 000 people enjoy a guided tour through its unique streets.

Watch our Welcome to Hawke's Bay Video Here

Meet the International Team

Our School has been accepting international students since the 1990s. Party to the NZQA Code of Practice, we pride ourselves on the exceptional care, guidance and opportunity, afforded by four dedicated staff in the International Department.

By offering places for only twenty five international students we are able to offer extremely personalised care and management, in a genuine atmosphere of learning. Because we purposefully limit our international intake to a small cohort, our team is able to offer deeply personalised, daily support. Meet the dedicated staff who look after our boys’ academic success, home life, and well-being.

International Director
International Manager

Akira Natomi

An ex-international student, Mr Natomi has a first-hand understanding of schooling in New Zealand. Mr Natomi manages our student’s ‘life’ outside of school. He ensures that our students are placed into inviting and hospitable kiwi homes, and our boys are active and ‘busy’ outside of class. Mr Natomi is selective who he accepts to host our international students, ensuring the family meets the Code of Practice regulations and has a connection to Napier Boys’ High School or the wider community. Mr Natomi meets daily with our international students. A successful professional rugby player, Mr Natomi leads out the international rugby programme.

Student Dean

Nick Sye

An ex-international student, Mr Natomi has a first-hand understanding of schooling in New Zealand. Mr Natomi manages our student’s ‘life’ outside of school. He ensures that our students are placed into inviting and hospitable kiwi homes, and our boys are active and ‘busy’ outside of class. Mr Natomi is selective who he accepts to host our international students, ensuring the family meets the Code of Practice regulations and has a connection to Napier Boys’ High School or the wider community. Mr Natomi meets daily with our international students. A successful professional rugby player, Mr Natomi leads out the international rugby programme.

Student Finance

Silvia Williams

Mrs Williams moved to New Zealand from Spain 20 years ago. She graduated from Business Management in Madrid and since then she has always been working in the Finance sector. Currently she is also part of the International Department in the Financial area processing invoices and liaising with the agents regarding the international students financial requirements. Before she came to New Zealand she lived and worked in England for 3 years which was a great experience her.  She likes to keep active and follow a healthy life style and she loves living in Hawkes Bay and enjoy the sunshine that it offers.

Students at Napier Boys’ High School will develop into confident, innovative young men who will learn, strive and achieve in a traditional environment, having a strong sense of respect for them selvesand others.

Our Vision

2016 - Link Here
2026 - Link Here