Turakina Maori Girls' College is far from being a wealthy school in money terms.
But it is rich in spirit, culture and tradition and knowing the best paths for its young Maori women to take.
The staff at this small boarding school of just 90 girls all go beyond the call of duty and come to school most weekends as well, as through the week.
For these teachers want to ensure their students are acutely aware of their capabilities, their talents and their strengths.
Head of social sciences and technology Dionne Ross works tirelessly finding the perfect outlets for the interests and personalities of some of the not-so-academic students.
She has young women heading out to work one day a week - at a hairdresser, a cafe, to learn the finer details of being a good barista, a local kohanga reo, a bakery, the school kitchen learning the skills of food planning and menus, a travel agent and working in the hospitality industry, such as at a hotel or motel.
Mrs Ross said the students absolutely love their time out in the "real world".
"It's great for them, and it really brings out their special character and individuality."
But the young women don't get to just choose and say what they want. "No, there is a strict selection process. I choose each student. So they apply to me and we go from there."
A well-rounded education while still at school was essential these days, she said.
"Academic subjects are so important but so is knowing about future options for once you leave school."
To get her young women safely to their work destinations, which are from Marton and Palmerston North to Wanganui, a special school driver has been hired and a school car has been bought.
"So now we're also running a driving course and teaching some of our senior students to drive. They are really doing well, and I know there will be very safe drivers on the road from our school."
Last term Mrs Ross even took a group of girls out on a special shopping expedition to second-hand shops in Palmerston North and selected clothes to unpick and fashion into beautiful pieces of wearable art. "They had such a great time. It was a really good day."
The old clothes were taken apart and designed into new gear, with each girl selecting a model, and a special fashion show was held for the school.
"The girls loved it."
Physical education, health and sport feature highly at the college. with every student urged to get in and always give it a go.
New this year and second-in-command of the sporting faculty is Hayley Moratti, who firmly believes every girl needs to get in and enjoy a physical challenge.
In keeping with Maori tradition at the school and just started is the Maori-based game ki-o-rahi.
Miss Moratti said playing ki-o-rahi was hugely popular with all the students, from juniors to seniors.
Ki-o-rahi is a ball sport played with a small round ball called a ki and is a game widely known and played in most Maori communities and a few main city locations throughout the New Zealand.
The game is fast-paced. Two teams of seven players play on a circular field divided into zones, and score points by touching the pou (boundary markers) and hitting a central tupu or target.
According to Miss Moratti, the game is extremely exciting and a highlight of the sports programme.
The students can also choose from netball, soccer, kick boxing, gymnastics to aerobics, dance, zumba, swimming, kapa haka and athletics.
"Physical exercise and health education are so important and we encourage every girl to be a part of what we do here."
Keeping busy and occupied and feeling fulfilled is all part of the structure for every student at the college.
This is partly due to the varied and wide range of programmes ... and partly due to principal Terehia Channings.
Bullying or bad behaviour is simply not tolerated.
"Respect and pride are what is uppermost at this school, and every student knows it,"she said.
And there is the special message on a plaque set in a glade of trees and ferns by Mrs Channings:
"To choose the right way of life, we must walk with true purpose. With every step we take, we create a pathway through to our destiny."
And every student is encouraged through academic studies and special programmes to follow the message.