About Levin
Levin is a rural town with a population of approximately 20,000. The town is divided into two sections by the main trunk railway line and State Highway 1. The catchment area of the school is bounded to the west by the Tasman Sea and to the east by the Tararua ranges. The northern boundary is generally accepted to be the Manawatu River and Shannon town, with Ohau and Manakau to the south.
Horowhenua College is the larger, and elder, of the two co-educational colleges in the town and enjoys a close relationship with a strong and supportive community. Levin has an Intermediate school, an integrated Catholic School and five Primary schools (three of which cater for pupils up to Year 8). Students also feed into the College from the six outlying country primary schools. The town has a Learning Centre catering for vocational courses.
Levin is seen as a good place to bring up young families. It has a pleasant climate and misses the worst extremes of weather that occasionally affect the lower half of the North Island.
Approximately 33% of the population is Māori with Ngāti Raukawa and Muaūpoko being the dominant tribes. There is also a significant number of Pacific Island 20% and Asian families 5%.
There is a strong horticulture-based industry, some light industry (including textile), as well as a commercial area. The town services a substantial number of people in retirement. Many of the town’s industries provide sponsorship to the College and also offer part-time employment to students. Nevertheless, there is a degree of unemployment in the town and many young people leave Levin in search of employment and educational opportunities at the end of their secondary schooling. There is a strong sporting culture in the town and the district has produced many top-ranked sports people.
Horowhenua Region
Levin is the main centre in the district of Horowhenua. Levin’s size and position has many advantages.
Access to the capital city
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. Levin is 70 minutes drive to Wellington and 40 minutes drive to the city of Palmerston North. Students can easily have access to the facilities they offer: National Museum – Te Papa, theatre, restaurants, sports events, Westpac Stadium, Parliament etc. There are trains and buses travelling to both these destinations.
Access to four Universities
The following universities are within 1 and 1/2 hours of Levin:
Victoria University (Wellington), Massey University (Palmerston North and Wellington), International Pacific College (Palmerston North). There are also several Polytechnics within the same region. Entrance to New Zealand universities is gained from recording Achievement Grades in 42 credits in the Level 3 NCEA exams (including 14 credits in each of two subjects from the National Qualifications Framework), together with the requisite Mathematics and English language requirements.
A safe community
A small friendly community of approximately 19,000 people. We do not usually experience the problems or distractions associated with the cities. Check out the Horowhenua District Council site.
Home Stays
Our Home stay providers are carefully selected. Our host parents care about their students and want them to have an enjoyable experience in New Zealand.
Access to the rest of New Zealand
Levin is near the geographical centre of New Zealand and is the central point for visiting the North and South Islands. A ferry to the South Island leaves from Wellington. State Highway One (the main road from Wellington to Auckland) and the main trunk railway line both pass through Levin. There are international airports at both Palmerston North and Wellington. Our staff meet new students at both of these airports.
A healthy, outdoor lifestyle
Beaches, rivers and mountains are only 15 minutes away. Many students play sport and engage in outdoor activities. Many clubs exist in Levin. The Horowhenua District has a reputation for its ‘clean green’ image. Skiing facilities are only 2 and 1/2 hours away at Mount Ruapehu.