Nelson Central School

Nelson Central School is a state primary school in Nelson that educates children aged 5 to 11 in both English and Māori medium classrooms. The school serves around 400 students and operates across multiple buildings on its established campus.

The school was founded in 1878 and ranks among New Zealand's longest-running schools operating on its original site. The main building was acquired by the Nelson Education Board in 1893 and has maintained its educational mission ever since.

The school actively teaches in Māori language and integrates Indigenous perspectives into daily learning activities. Visitors can observe how these teachings shape the school environment and classroom interactions.

The school sits on Nile Street, three blocks east of Christ Church Cathedral, making it easy to locate and walk to from the city center. Access may be restricted during school hours as this is an active learning environment.

The main building and Renwick House contain architectural features that earned recognition as Heritage New Zealand protected sites. These structures showcase construction styles spanning more than a century of the school's presence in the city.

Location: Nelson City

Inception: 1878

Address: 70 Nile Street, Nelson 7010

Phone: +6435484972

Website: http://nelsoncentral.school.nz

GPS coordinates: -41.27756,173.28919

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00