A popular programme helping migrant families better understand New Zealand’s education system is returning to Tauranga this May.

Multicultural Tauranga is partnering with Gate Pā School to deliver the Community Learning Hub for a second year in the Bay of Plenty, following strong feedback from its 2025 launch.

Funded by the Ministry of Education, the hub offers a series of free workshops to help newcomer parents build confidence, understand how schools operate, and learn how to support their children’s education.

The programme begins on May 7 and will run across five sessions, covering topics such as the structure of the education system, understanding different year levels, learning support, and how to communicate effectively with teachers.

Lead educator Cindy Hurren said organisers are expecting another positive response after last year’s success.

“We are confident this hub will be just as successful as the first one hosted by Pāpāmoa College,” she said

Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D’Mello said feedback from parents who attended the 2025 hub highlighted the programme’s impact.

“Parents told us they gained a clearer understanding of a typical school day, how schools operate, and how to raise any concerns with teachers and staff,” she said.

“They also developed a deeper appreciation of the holistic approach to education in New Zealand, where students are recognised as individuals with unique strengths and needs.”

Gate Pā School principal Rochelle Jensen said the school is proud to host the hub, particularly given the diversity of its community.

“We have a significant number of migrant families, and programmes like this help strengthen the connection between home and school,” she said.

Support has also come from Tauranga City Council’s welcoming communities diversity and culture adviser Haidee Kalirai.

“It allows families to ask questions, build confidence, and feel more engaged in their children’s learning journey,” she said.

Each session will run from 6pm-8pm at Gate Pā School, with free dinner provided, including vegetarian options, and a supervised student hub for children.

Organisers said the initiative reflects the important role families play in education and aimed to ensure all parents feel informed and empowered.

The series of workshops will cover an overview of the New Zealand education system on May 7, new entrants to Year 8 on May 21, the Year 9-13 experience on June 4, learning support and English language learning on August 27, and school staff structures and ways to support your child’s learning on September 10.

Organisers expect interest to be high for the course and encouraged families to attend.