"I'd like to congratulate this year's finalists in the awards. We will celebrate their achievements and share their stories with the sector, communities, and whānau. I wish the finalists all the best for the announcement of the winners in July," she said.
Flaxmere College had focused on accelerating Māori student progress and achievement by creating connections with whānau and the wider community, co-constructing shared teaching practices and developing a contextualised curriculum, the award entry said.
The college collaborated with teachers and staff, students, whānau, local and school kaumatua and kuia and the wider community to ensure students experienced an inclusive environment that supported their academic, social and cultural aspirations.
Students had become active learners, more confident and well-connected to the school community. This had led to a significant increase in Māori student success in achievement, engagement, attendance, and retention.
Flaxmere College principal Louise Anaru said the school community was "very humbled and grateful to be named as a finalist" in all three categories they entered in.
She said it was an amazing opportunity for the college.
"All our staff and students were very humbled and proud when they heard the news. It is encouraging to know that the collaborative partnerships between our students, staff and whanau, quality teaching and learning practices and effective leadership has made a real difference to our students learning, achievement and wellbeing."
"Success for one is a success for all: Being a finalist is a success for our whole school community as we have all worked together to transform Flaxmere College to ensure equity and excellence for all our students."
William Colenso College's award entry said it had developed a model to support all students with additional learning, health, behaviour, and social needs.
The school's focus on "wrap-around support" for students helped encourage an inclusive and safe environment that led to improved student achievement and outcomes.
Principal Daniel Murfitt said it was amazing for the school to be a finalist in another category.
"It is really acknowledging the outstanding work that staff, the board and students put in to what we do. It is acknowledging what we believe is a model that we believe should be in every single school around our support services."
Members of the judging panel would visit finalists during May and June to see their work and speak with all involved. Winners from each category will receive $20,000 and a professional development opportunity.
The Prime Minister's Supreme Award is selected from the category winners. It is presented to the early learning service, school or kura that has had the greatest influence on education outcomes.
The supreme award winner will receive an additional $30,000 and an opportunity to represent New Zealand in an international education conference.
The awards ceremony is in Wellington in July.
