Our School Journey
Our School Journey
Embedded Files
Located in the northern area of the Wainuiomata Valley, Pukeatua School was established in 2002 following the merger of Glendale and Pencarrow Primary Schools. It is a full primary school catering for students aged 5 to 13 (Years 1–8), offering both mainstream classroom programmes and a total immersion Māori learning pathway.
Location: 21 Frederick Street
Time Frame: 1958 to present
The name Pukeatua translates to “hill of the God” (puke meaning hill and atua meaning God). Historically, the ridge of the Wainuiomata Hill was covered in rātā trees, which, when in full bloom, created a striking red crown across the range.
Before 2002, the school was known as Glendale Primary School. “Glendale” is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Gleann Dail, meaning a fertile, low-lying valley suitable for farming. The name has Scottish origins and was chosen by the Wainuiomata Development Company to give the area an appealing image.
In 2002, Glendale and Pencarrow Primary Schools merged, forming what is now known as Pukeatua Primary School.
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
Page updated
Report abuse