Nau Mai, Tauti Mai ki te Kura Tuatahi ō Pukeatua
Welcome to Pukeatua Primary School
‘Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.'
'Seek the treasure you value most dearly,if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.'
Pukeatua is a state school for boys and girls from Year 0 to Year 8 (5 to 13 year olds) offering both general class and Maori immersion class options.
It opened in 2002 and has a current starting roll of approximately 140 children. The ethnic composition is approximately 82% Maori, 7% NZ European, 9% Pacific Nations and 2% from other ethnic groups.
Set in extensive grounds, the school has two large playing fields, large concrete asphalt surface areas, three all-weather Adventure Playgrounds, a hall, a fantastic library and a Technology Block.
The school is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees and staffed by teachers and support staff who strive to provide the very best learning opportunities for all students
Situated in the northern part of the Wainuiomata valley Pukeatua School was formed in 2002 through a merger of Glendale and Pencarrow Schools.
A full primary school catering for 5 to 13 year olds (year 1 to year 8 students) Pukeatua offers both general classroom programmes and a total immersion Maori learning option.
Location – 21 Frederick Street.
Time Frame – 1958 to present.
A hill of the God. Puke means hill. Atua means God. The top ridge of the Wainuiomata Hill was once covered in the rātā tree, when in full bloom made a crown of red on the top of the range.
It was previously known as Glendale Primary School and it was renamed in 2002. Glendale is the anglicised version of the Gaelic Gleann Dail, which means valley of fertile, low–lying arable land. The name originated in Scotland. It was named by the Wainuiomata Development Company to give a glamourous appeal to the place.
Glendale and Pencarrow Primary School merged in 2002 forming Pukeatua Primary School.
'Actively striving to be the best we can be'
Dear Parents and Whānau,
Welcome to Pukeatua Primary School! We are delighted that you are considering our school for your child’s education. At Pukeatua, we pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive learning community where every child is valued, and every family is welcomed with open arms.
At Pukeatua, we offer a wide range of enriching experiences designed to engage and inspire our students.
Our curriculum includes exciting learning opportunities such as sporting events, camps, water rafting, swimming lessons, and an annual gala. We place a strong emphasis on technology, with a dedicated technology block and excellent cooking facilities that encourage creativity and practical skills.
Our students also benefit from hands-on learning in our māra kai - edible garden and the establishment of a ngahere kai - orchard. We have various extracurricular activities, including kapa haka and a computer club, as well as a second language program for our Year 7/8 students.
Our full immersion Te Reo Māori unit supports language and cultural learning for all students from years 0-8. This unique program celebrates Māori language and culture, providing an enriching environment for all children to learn and grow together. Our dedicated teachers are passionate about fostering a love for learning in all students, allowing them to thrive both academically and personally while enriching their identity through their language.
In addition to our Rumaki Reo Māori Unit, we offer five classes in Auraki (Mainstream), also designed for students in years 0-8. Our curriculum is designed to engage and inspire learners from all backgrounds, ensuring that each child receives a quality education tailored to their individual needs. We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we strive to equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
At Pukeatua Primary School, we celebrate our multicultural community and encourage families from all cultures to join us. We believe that diversity enriches our learning environment and helps our students develop an appreciation for different perspectives. Our school community is built on respect, empathy, and collaboration, and we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for everyone.
We ensure that all our Tamariki at Pukeatua connect to our whenua, hapu, iwi and community. Our Localised curriculum; Te Manawa Pao o te Repo – The Beating Heart of the Swamp is our korowai that wraps our tamariki in rich, exciting and meaningful learning experiences.
We invite you to visit our school, meet our friendly staff, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Pukeatua Primary School. Our doors are always open, and we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the enrolment process, our programs, or our school community.
Thank you for considering Pukeatua Primary School. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming your family into our unique school community!
Nau mai haere mai koutou ma,
Kerry Lewis
Principal (Acting)
'Mā te Honohono ka Ū' ... 'Together we grow'
July 2024 - Thanks to N4L who have upgraded our networking equipment. They came to discover how Pukeatua Primary School is using digital technology to enable exciting and innovative experiences to transform teaching and learning.
2024 Maths Week Challenge
Maths Week was established by the New Zealand Association of Mathematics Teachers in 1998. It is a premier event in the school calendar.