Pukehina School

Pukehina School is a small rural school catering for children through Years 1-8. Buses transport the school population from up to 15 kilometres away.

The school was opened in 1914 on land originally belonging to the Whakahemo tribe to “whaia te matauranga”. Te Rangituakoha Takuira Mita was the chief. His descendants still attend the school. There was a gazette notice in 1940 stating the land was taken by the government for a school.

A history of excellent bi-cultural relationships is evident throughout the school and community.

A flagpole carved by Kaka Niao in 1946 was restored in 1996 and stands in the school grounds in memory of the local soldiers who died in World War 2.

There are three classrooms, a library, modern administration block, journal room, (used as Omaio) swimming pool, netball/tennis court, cricket pitch, football field and 2 children’s playgrounds. The original school building is community owned and houses a pre-school, a storage shed and a shed on skids which is used as a playroom for EduCare. Pukehina EduCare has 24 children aged 3- 5 enrolled. During 2011 and 2012, the Board of Trustees discussed a possible merger with another small rural school 5 kilometres away. Pukehina School parents and community decided not to pursue the merger.

Pukehina School is well resourced. All students have a school supplied laptop for use.