Banmira’s bold step: new campus, new era

This year marks a significant milestone for Banmira, with the opening of our new Junior Campus on Parkside Drive, the site of the former Wanganui Secondary College.

Thoughtfully rejuvenated, the site offers a sense of familiarity to many in our community, while clearly representing our evolution into a vibrant and dynamic specialist setting.

The Parkside campus now welcomes around 130 Early Education and Primary-aged students each day, supported by approximately 60 dedicated staff — most of whom have made the move from our Verney Road site.

While our Junior Campus settles into its new home, our Secondary-aged students at the Senior Campus are also adapting to new learning spaces and continuing their own journey of growth and development.

Across both campuses, our focus remains on building environments where our students can shine — in their learning, their relationships, and their independence.

I’d also like to acknowledge our Principal, Angela Buxton, who is currently leading in a new role of her own.

Her vision and leadership have been instrumental in guiding us into, and through this exciting chapter.

These new beginnings aren’t just about new buildings — they reflect our deeper commitment to learning that is truly student-centred.

At Banmira, we build a “team around the learner,” recognising that every student is unique and every learner deserves the support, challenge and care that meets them where they are.

This is made possible through the incredible work of our staff — driven, caring, and passionate educators who go above and beyond each day.

Our families are our most important partners.

They are key partners in everything we do, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration that helps our students thrive.

Together with our families, allied health partners, and other local schools and agencies, we have created an inclusive education model where every student is seen, valued, and supported to succeed.

We hold a bold vision for Banmira to be recognised as a true centre for excellence in inclusive education, not just within our school gates, but across the region.

Whilst we celebrate the milestone of our new Junior Campus, we look forward with clear ambition — to complete the redevelopment of our Parkside Drive site and reuniting our entire school community back under one roof.

Our students inspire us every day.

They are the reason we do this work — and the reason we remain committed to building a future where every learner is given the opportunity to grow, to belong, and to flourish.

At Banmira, we aim to equip every learner with the skills and confidence they need beyond school.

Whether it's communication, independence, daily living, or vocational skills, we believe every student can learn and thrive.

With a team around each learner, and a community that believes in them, our students are leading us into a brighter, more inclusive future.

Jesse Whittaker

Acting Principal

Banmira Specialist School