Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
All Year Levels
Students are required to have a device that is/has:
Windows laptops, Windows tablets, Apple laptops, iPads and Chromebooks.
Please ensure the laptop has had an account created on the device, if the student is not an admin on the account, we will need the admin credentials.
- Mac OS Version 15 (Sequoia) or higher.
- Please ensure the device has received all its updates and has an Apple ID signed in and Find My is configured.
- Neo or M1 to M5 series processor DO NOT BUY INTEL Based MAC Laptops
- Recommendation 16GB of RAM
- Recommendation – A laptop bag, sleeve or hard shell case.
Anti-Virus will not be provided – Recommendation – ESET Essentials or Malwarebytes – Do Not purchase an Antivirus with a VPN
Apple Education Pricing available here
Examples of Apple Laptops that meet our recommendations.
Microsoft Office 365/apps with 1tb Cloud Storage will be provided, do not purchase.
Please ensure the ipad has had an account created on the device with an Apple ID.
Download the Company Portal App from the App Store – then sign into the app with your student login, your school apps will self install.
- iPad OS 25 or higher.
- Please ensure the device has received all its updates and has an Apple ID signed in and Find My is configured.
- Recommendation – iPad 10th Generation and above that support iPad OS 25 and above.
- Recommendation – the use of a Keyboard/Case with iPads
Examples of Apple iPads that meet our recommendations.
Apple Education Pricing available here
Microsoft Office 365/apps with 1tb Cloud Storage will be provided, do not purchase.
Please ensure the laptop has had an account created on the device, if the student is not an admin on the account, we will need the admin credentials.
Parents will be required to Age verify your childs Microsoft Account.
DO NOT Purchase an Antivirus with a built in VPN
Anti-Virus will not be provided – Recommendation – ESET Essentials or Malwarebytes
Recommendation 13 inch screen.
- Has at least 6-8 hours battery life.
- Recommendation 16GB of RAM. 8Gb Minimum
- Recommendation an SSD or NVMe 512GB or greater. 128Gb Minimum
- Recommendation Intel i5 13th Gen or higher processors, AMD Ryzen 5 7040 series or higher processors.
- Recommendation – A laptop bag, sleeve or hard shell case.
DO NOT PURCHASE – Microsoft Office 365 – Access with 1Tb Cloud Storage will be provided.
Chrome Devices must be enrolled with the School, powerwash your device if it has other accounts on it and enrol it with the Students login (email)
- Minimum 8gb ram
- Minimum 32gb Storage
Examples Chromebooks
Microsoft Office 365 links will be available via Google Chrome on the schools intranet. 1tb Cloud Storage will be provided, do not purchase Microsoft Office 365.
Note: Chromebooks may not be suitable in some senior subjects, where laptops with support of applications are used e.g Adobe Creative Cloud, Blender, DaVinci Resolve.
Laptop Suppliers
PB Technologies
587 Gt South Road, Manukau City.
Contact Vinson Tarm: Manukau 09 571 8338
Waiuku PB BYOD Page (discount code: Waiuku)
New Chromebooks : LINK
Windows Laptops: LINK
New Apple Laptops: LINK
Refurbished Windows Laptops: LINK
Insite Technology
20B Oakleigh Avenue, Takanini
Contact Courtney +64 9 272 2676 ext 763
Laybuy available (Pay off while you use)
Refurbished laptops: LINK
Refurbished Chomebooks: LINK
Imagtext imagetext.co.nz (Apple Supplier)
Level 1, 3 Owens Road,
Epsom, Auckland 1023
New Zealand
Tel: +64 (09) 623 3102
Contact: Mike Scragg
PTL Computers
153 Sunnybrae Road, Hillcrest
09 444 6611
Refurbished Windows laptops: LINK
Refurbished Apple Laptops LINK
Always Compare prices: Find the best deals on PriceSpy NZ
BYOD Set-up 2027
Setup Dates/Times: January 2027 – Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm (Laptop set up in the library is available for new and existing students)
This is an opportunity to be issued your login details, assist in Wi-Fi Connectivity.
If you are unable to get the device to us during this time, please arrange for a family member or friend to drop your device off with the login credentials.
BYOD FAQs
Is there a limit to the number of students who can participate?
No, but all Year levels will be asked to bring a device.
If I provide a laptop, is there anything I should do before my child brings their computer to school?
- Ensure a login account has been setup on the device.
- Ensure any login information created including security questions are documented and stored in a safe place (Microsoft Accounts and Apple ID’s).
- Chromebooks will be Factory reset and Enrolled in the schools system, a personal account can be added later.
- Ensure any Age Restrictions on the device have been approved.
- If student logins are setup against a Microsoft or Apple ID ensure they are not restricted by Microsoft family restrictions or Apple Parental Controls until after the BYOD setups are completed.
- Ensure Browsers like Brave and Opera are NOT installed – Student device with Browsers or Antivirus Software with VPN’s are blocked Automatically from the School WiFi
- If the student is not an Administrator of the computer, the Admin account details will be required during the setup weeks.
- Check the device has anti-virus software – Antivirus/Malware protection such as ESET Essentials or Malwarebytes
- Do not load applications such as Steam, Discord, Spotify or any other application which hinders the computers startup process or minimises storage capacity and these apps are all blocked on the Student WiFi.
- Refrain from loading the devices with photos, personal files and browser sign-ons until after setup.
- Ensure you keep receipts and warranty information safe.
- If the device is new, take a photo or record any serial numbers and/or model numbers from the packaging, or from the device.
- Label or mark the device so it can be identified. Check with the supplier about engraving as this can sometimes void your warranty.
- Check if your home insurance policy will cover device theft, loss and accidental breakage.
Are there any retailers who are offering discounted devices?
- It pays to shop around, look at our minimum specifications. Retailers are NOT aware of our requirements.
- Retailers with the ability to customise laptops can be more flexible matching or exceeding our minimum specifications.
- Sites like PriceSpy can assist comparing prices.
- Ex-lease and refurbished devices can offer good value and some are offered with one year warranties, or can be purchased in addition.
- Extended Warranties.
We cannot afford a device, is there some sort of financial assistance plan?
Major retailers offer payment plans over time. The school will have limited numbers of loan devices available. These are primarily for use in short term emergencies when a student device is not available e.g. undergoing repair.
What additional software should I buy?
Antivirus/Malware protection such as ESET Essentials or Malwarebytes
Who is responsible for the device should it get stolen?
As with all student property, the device will be the responsibility of the student throughout the school day.
Should I get theft insurance for my child’s technology device?
Check if your insurance policy covers theft or loss – if not, you may need a special theft policy. Experience at two other large co-ed schools visited was that theft had been virtually non-existent with regard to devices.
Are there rules and policies that my child and I should know about?
Yes, students must comply with Waiuku College Digital Citizenship Policy. This document is available in the Waiuku College Enrollment pack.
The use of VPN’s or similar technologies is Prohibited.
The Use of Cellphone is Prohibited by Law.
The Use of Hotspots is Prohibited, falls under Cellphone Use.
Does my child really need a device? Are there research studies and other information related to the effectiveness of educational technology on learning?
How often will my child be using their device during a school day?
This will depend on the nature of the subject and what units of work are being taught. However, it is estimated that students will use their devices for around 3 to 4 hours per day.
Are students able to charge their device at school?
Students will be expected to arrive at school with a fully charged device. Charging points are very limited.
What will happen to my child and/or the device if they contravene the Digital Citizenship agreement?
We will apply normal school pastoral care and disciplinary procedures. We will not ban device use as this will affect participation in learning. Internet use can be restricted.
Will the school technician be able to repair my child’s device?
The care/maintenance and repair of devices rests with the student. We are able to give limited software support and offer advice on hardware repair.
How will my child carry their device?
We recommend that when buying a new school bag, consider one which is capable of protecting a laptop and accommodating the usual equipment for school. A separate protective cover for the device itself is also an affordable option.
What are the potential dangers of Wi-Fi?
There are reports available on the websites from the Ministry of Education and Health that confirm the safety of normal device use in normal classroom settings.
Will my child need a new email account?
All students will be allocated a Microsoft 365 school e-mail account as part of their induction.
How will this affect stationery costs?
These will drop significantly. As more and more tools and resources become digital, the use of traditional exercise books and workbooks will decrease. Some learning activities will still require the use of pen and paper to be effective.
Digital Citizenship & Cybersafety
>> Student Use Agreement Booklet
When I use digital devices, both at school and at home I have responsibilities and rules to follow. I agree:
- To be a safe user whenever and wherever I use that technology.
- To be responsible whenever and wherever I use technology and support others by being respectful in how I talk to and work with them and never write or participate in online bullying. This includes forwarding messages and supporting others in harmful, inappropriate or hurtful online behavior.
- To report if I feel unsafe or uncomfortable online or see a friend being unsafe or being made to feel uncomfortable by others.
- To maintain the reputation of Waiuku College and refrain from making inflammatory or rude comments about other students, staff or matters which may have arisen within Waiuku College.
When at school I agree:
To abide by the rules outlined in this document.
- To keep myself and my friends safe by not giving out personal details including full names, telephone numbers, addresses and images, protecting my password.
- To use the technology at school for learning, use the equipment properly and not interfere with the work or data of another student.
- Not to bring or download unauthorised programs or files.
- Not to go looking for rude or offensive sites.
- To remember that the content on the web is someone’s property and ask my teacher or a parent/caregiver to help me get permission if I want to use information or pictures.
- Not to attempt to install programs, games or apps on any school device.
- Not to attempt to edit any system settings.
- Not to use tools or sites that will enable me to bypass systems in place to filter or restrict access.
- I understand that my computer internet use at school can be monitored by the school.
I will talk to my teacher or an adult if:
- I need help online.
- I am not sure what I should be doing on the internet or a device.
- I come across sites that are not appropriate.
- Someone writes something I don’t like, makes me and my friends feel uncomfortable or asks me to provide information that I know is private.
- I feel that the welfare of students or staff at the Waiuku College is threatened.
When I use my laptop at school I agree to:
- Use it as only as directed by my teacher during class time.
- Be responsible for the device at all times.
- Be responsible for the power management (charging) of my device.
I understand the school policy on mobile phone use while at school:
- Mobile phones are not be on or used by students between the first bell at 8.40am and the last bell of the day at 3.10pm. This includes class time, admin time, assemblies, interval and lunchtime
- Earphones are not be worn at any of the above restricted times unless approved by a teacher for class use. They may only be connected to a school approved device e.g. BYOD Device or school computer
When using any device I will:
- Only take photos and record sound or video when it is part of a class or
- Seek permission from individuals involved PRIOR to taking photos, recording sound or videoing them (including teachers).
- Seek written permission from individuals involved PRIOR to publishing or sending photos, recorded sound or video to anyone else or to any online
- Be respectful in how I talk to and work with others online and never write or participate in online
- Seek teacher permission before uploading any school or student related content to
- Protect the privacy of others and never post private information about another person using SMS or other messages.
This Contract also applies to students during school excursions, camps and extra-curricular activities.
I have read and agree to follow these rules. I understand that my access to the internet and mobile technology at school may be withdrawn if I do not act responsibly. I understand that if my internet usage is revoked it may affect my ability to complete assessments and participate in learning activities.