On the 15th May 1848, the sixth detachment of Royal New Zealand Fencibles and their families arrived in the Waitemata Harbour on board the sailing ship, Ann.

They were to live in one of the four villages of Otahuhu, Onehunga, Panmure and Howick.

Two years later, by 1850, there were 96 children under the age of seven in the Otahuhu Fencible community. The Anglican Church authorities felt that a school was necessary to cater for the education of these youngsters. By 1851, classes were held in the Anglican Church building, where the Reverend S. Ward fulfilled the dual role of minister and schoolmaster.

In 1856 the Anglican Church Committee advertised for a schoolmaster, but it was not until the 9th August 1858, under the instruction of Mr I.R. Williams, that official school classes started.

To mark this official opening of Otahuhu Primary School, we will be celebrating our 160th Jubilee on 9th August 2018.