Auckland’s Hare Krishna School Becomes New Zealand’s First Full Year 1–13 Krishna Conscious School

Year 9 and 10’s assembly presentation to the school on Ratha Yatra.

Hare Krishna School is celebrating the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s approval of its application to extend to Year 13, making it New Zealand’s only primary and secondary school where children can complete their entire education in a Krishna-conscious environment grounded in the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda.

Founded as a private school in 1982, Hare Krishna School is located in the serene rural community of ISKCON Auckland and offers students both spiritual nourishment and a peaceful learning environment. With a roll approaching 200 students, the school is a state-integrated special-character institution that delivers the New Zealand Curriculum through the lens of Kṛṣṇa-bhakti. Each day begins with kīrtana, āratī, recitation of ślokas, śāstra reading, and japa meditation—establishing a devotional rhythm that supports academic excellence and personal character.

A Steady Journey of Growth: 1992–2025

Hare Krishna School became ISKCON’s first state-integrated school in 1992, entering the national network as a Year 1–6 primary school. It expanded to Year 1–8 in 2005, then to Year 1–10 in 2019, reflecting growing demand within the devotee community. Now, with Year 13 approval granted in 2025, the school completes its transformation into a full Year 1–13 Krishna-conscious schooling pathway.

This year also marks the school’s first Year 11 cohort sitting NCEA external examinations—New Zealand’s national secondary qualification recognised internationally.

Lalita Krishna, a year 11 student who has been at the school since year 1 (2014) shared her experience, “I feel grateful that I can spend my whole school life at the Hare Krishna School. It is common for students to part ways after primary school as they attend different high schools, but at the Hare Krishna School, you have the opportunity to stay with your friends for your entire school journey. I have found the NCEA exams a welcome challenge. As exams always come with nerves and stress, I was initially worried about how we would overcome this challenge; however, our teachers have done their best to support us and provide all the knowledge we need to pass our exams. Their hard work and effort have paid off, as I feel excited and well-prepared for the upcoming exams.”

A Distinctive Pedagogical Approach Rooted in Bhakti

Hare Krishna School’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the traditional Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tri-jñāna-aṅga process of learning:

•Śravaṇam — attentive hearing

•Mananam / Abhyāsaḥ — reflection and repeated practice

•Nididhyāsanam — deep internalisation and lived application

This approach ensures that learning is relational, contemplative, and anchored in devotional service.

The specialised Śāstra and Sanskrit curriculum, developed by Principal Dharma-setu Dāsa, is organised around the three foundational strands of Gauḍīya theology: sambandha (relationship with Kṛṣṇa), abhidheya (the path of devotional practice), and prayojana (the goal of prema). Students progressively build śāstra literacy, Sanskrit fluency, and personal reflection from their earliest years through to senior secondary school.

By high school, many students can articulate core philosophical ideas, read portions of Sanskrit texts, and apply śāstra perspectives to contemporary issues—strengthening both their devotional identity and their academic confidence.

Wisdom, Respect, and Joy at the Heart of School Culture

The high school culture is shaped by three values—Wisdom, Respect, and Joy—which permeate classroom practice, relationships, and the wider school environment. Lunchtimes often feature prasādam shared in friendship, spontaneous kīrtanas under the trees, and students joyfully engaging in sport and recreation, reflecting the school’s family-like devotional atmosphere.

Sarada, Head of Social Science and Science, as well as the Career Advisor, shared, “ I find it truly exciting to have a KC high school, especially as a second-generation devotee who didn’t have access to anything like this while growing up. It has been my motivation for becoming a teacher, as I’ve always felt it was important to create this opportunity for the next generation. In today’s world, where children are surrounded by so many unfavourable influences, having a supportive, Krishna-conscious environment feels more essential than ever. It offers them a safer, more positive path to grow, learn, and develop. My favourite part of school is the class performances for our festivals. I love seeing the children take centre stage, practising so wholeheartedly and offering their best for Krishna’s pleasure and the joy of all the devotees. It’s such a meaningful experience, and I feel it enriches the students on so many levels.”Year 10 students performing experiments.Year 11 science students.Students working on a project in Year 11 Chemistry.Students at their High School Festival performance.Some of Hare Krishna School’s students on a field trip.Students participating in the High School’s sports program.Years 9 and 10 on a recent field trip.

Major Campus Development to Support Growth

To accommodate its expansion, ISKCON Auckland is enabling a significant development project across the school campus, including seven new classrooms, a school library, an expanded sports field, and upgraded administrative facilities.

The first stage—specialist rooms for Śāstra, Arts, Social Sciences, and Mathematics—was completed in 2025, along with new student restrooms and a foyer. A Science laboratory, Music room, and senior study area will open in 2026, followed in 2027 by additional classrooms, a senior library, teacher workspaces, and expanded outdoor facilities. These developments significantly enhance the school’s ability to deliver the full range of NCEA programmes within a spiritually centred environment.

A Message from the Principal

Principal Dharma-setu Dāsa reflected on the milestone, “This achievement is truly Kṛṣṇa’s mercy. We aspire to help each young person grow in knowledge, character, and loving devotion to the Lord. To now offer a complete Year 1–13 Krishna conscious education is a blessing we have long prayed for. I am deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, our Board of Trustees, the ISKCON Auckland management led by our Temple President Kalasamvara Prabhu, and the entire ISKCON Auckland community for supporting this sacred mission.”