It was established in 1979 as a private school and integrated into the state education system in March 1994.

[3][4] The school has a roll of 449 students from years 1 to 13 (approx.

ages 5 to 18) as of November 2024,[1] many of whom are not of religious conviction (the school having a policy of acceptance towards personal religion).

It is notable for its high success rate of students passing their respective NCEA qualifications.

[5] Rangiora New Life has 59 staff, including management, teaching, support, administration and property staff as of 1 October 2019[update].