Leaders in online learning

for Primary and Secondary (Yr 0-13) schools throughout Aotearoa New Zealand

Hikina a tātou ākonga kia haere kōtui tātou ki tua

Walk hand-in-hand with us to uplift our learners and safeguard the future

Who we are

Kōtui Ako VLN is a collaborative network of Primary and Secondary schools and kura serving Years 0 – 13, who work together to improve access to educational opportunities for their learners, via the online environment.

Participating schools are able to offer their learners a wide range of programmes, based on the New Zealand Curriculum and NCEA qualifications.

By contributing to the Kōtui Ako VLN online learning community, schools gain access to over 100 programmes, enabling them to more successfully meet the learning needs of their students.

More about us
Josh - Makuri School

What we do

Our team enables collaboration between schools, their learners and their online teachers, through a reciprocal teaching and learning exchange.

Learners are engaged both synchronously and asynchronously through the use of weekly video conferences and digitally curated learning environments.

Online pedagogy and practice of teachers is enhanced through an ongoing professional learning development programme led by our experienced and skillful team.

What are the benefits:

Ākonga/learners

  • Access to a wide range of learning opportunities;
  • Improve communication and self-management skills in authentic contexts;
  • Improve digital literacy, learner agency and confidence;
  • Build on interests and passions;
  • Build connections with others beyond the classroom

Kura/schools

  • Access to a wide range of curriculum opportunities;
  • Access to qualified, registered, specialist teachers;
  • Enable flexible timetabling solutions;
  • Develop independent, self-managing, digitally competent learners

Kaiako/teachers

  • Professional development for online pedagogy and practice;
  • Improve digital competence in teaching online;
  • Teach within areas of skill, strength and passion;
  • Teach from within a school context, or flexibly from anywhere

Student Voice

“This opportunity has been amazing, I’ve really enjoyed being able to have more control in my learning but have good support. My teacher is awesome and I love his style and how interested he is in what we have to say and who we are”

Secondary student

I have really loved having the chance to take a subject my school doesn’t offer.

Learning online was not a barrier for me. I developed some important skills in managing myself to meet deadlines. I am proud that I passed all my assessments and exams in my online subject

The feedback from my student in the programme has been really positive. She enjoys the challenge and a chance to do more outside of what she would normally do in class.

Class teacher Primary

Having the opportunity to learn about Spanish when you don’t have a teacher in your own school

Learner from Ngamatapouri School

I just like it, it feels comfortable for me like I’m in my own skin and normal and learning my own culture

Te Reo Māori Primary learner

Our Nationwide Online Community

Our strategic purpose is to enable schools and kura to access high quality educational opportunities for their ākonga/learners through online learning.

Our schools

TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOOLS

94

TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS

1603

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News

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  • Celebrating Connection and Creativity in 2025

    Nau mai, haere mai ki te Kura Tuatahi – Akonga Aka Mariko

    Kia ora koutou katoa, Kia orāna, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Nĭ hăo 你好, Annyoung haseyo 안녕하세요, Namaste, Assalām alaikum, Hola, Bonjour, Hallo!

    As we reach the end of 2025, it is a privilege to showcase our students’ learning. Often, when people think of “online learning,” they imagine students staring silently at screens. But as you see from the examples of student learning that we share, the reality is far more vibrant. You will see collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and a connection between our learners and their kaiako that covers the motu.

    This publication is a window into our virtual classrooms. It highlights the mahi of students who have taken charge of their own learning journeys. Whether it is mastering a new language, cracking complex codes in Digital Technology, or exploring the future of AI, these ākonga are developing the self-management and resilience skills that will define their future success.

    The Power of Reciprocity: None of this is possible without the kaupapa of reciprocity that binds our network together. To the schools that contributed funding for our teachers, the mentors who supported students on-site, and the whānau who encouraged them from home—thank you. You are the “Kōtui” (weaving) that makes this “Ako” (learning) possible. Thanks also to the Ministry of Education who partner with us to fund our operations and leadership.

    Looking to 2026 As we celebrate these student achievements, we invite you to look ahead. With registrations now open for 2026, consider how your school can further widen its curriculum and offer your learners the awesome advantage of choice. Whether it’s through our Learning Languages programmes or our expanding STEM selection, there is a place for every learner here.

    Enjoy this celebration of success. These students are not just learning online; they are learning for life.

    Ngā mihi nui

    Rachel Whalley

    ePrincipal (Primary)

    Kōtui Ako | Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa

    “Hikina a tātou ākonga kia haere kōtui tātou ki tua — Walk hand-in-hand with us to uplift our learners and safeguard the future.”

    Read the full publication

    Celebrating Connection and Creativity in 2025