1976 was a great year in Porirua
1976 wasn't just a great year because the first McDonald's opened in New Zealand. It was also a great year because Papakōwhai School opened!
Kia ora koutou
Celebrating 50 years of Papakōwhai School in 2026
Papakōwhai School turns 50 next year and we want to celebrate our golden jubilee with some fun events for current and past students, staff and whānau.
Papakōwhai School opened on February 2nd, 1976 with a roll of 181 students in what was then a new subdivision. There were no shops. The school was the focal point of the community. It was an open plan school built for about 250 students. Open plan was a 1970's pilot programme and there was controversy about having blocks with so many children all together.
The swimming pool was built in 1978 and the hall was added in the late 90's. The school community raised funds to build both of these assets. The school started with 10 classrooms and now there are 25.
Our school library has been moved around a lot during extensive building work over the past decade. It is currently sitting in temporary accommodation at the end of the netball court. We aim to bring the library back to its original location, currently Kauri 5, and reopen it as our jubilee library in 2026.
It would be wonderful to form a group of parents who would be willing to help organise celebration events for current and former students, staff and whānau. I'm also keen to hear from people interested in the jubilee library project.
If you are willing, please contact me and we will have an initial meet up before the end of Term 1. I'm especially keen to hear from you if you are a current parent and former student!
Ngā mihi
Principal