In 1914 Mr Fred Pratt applied to the Auckland Education Board for the establishment of a school in the district of Waimata. Mr Pratt also donated the land that the School is built on.
In 1916 Waimata School opened its doors to 29 Students and one teacher Mr P.J. Lynch.
In 1952 a Second classroom was built and then in 1959 a small school office and staff room were built.
In 1960 the baths were constructed using much voluntary labour from the school community.
In 1987 The Education Board spent over $250,000 in a complete remodel of the existing buildings and grounds. The classrooms where shifted and while the building was suspended a metre and a half above the ground on timber jacks, that the Edgecumbe earthquake occurred. We all watched as the building swayed back and forth. Fortunately it did not fall and the move was completed without further incident.
In 1995 the administration area was enlarged to provide a separate Principal’s office, withdrawal room, sick bay and storage area.
In 1996 the school had grown to 4 teachers so it was decided to build a new multi purpose room that could be used as a classroom as the need arose.
In 1998 the Ministry provided a new classroom for our roll growth, and we built a new library between the two classrooms.
In 2000 the bus bay at he front of the school was redeveloped to provide easier access and a dozen or so carparks for parents and visitors. Also a courtyard was created with new decking and a new sandpit with shade cover over it, outside the junior classroom.
Then in 2002 the Ministry announced that they would fund a complete upgrade of our administration area to provide larger office space, storage areas, teachers work area and an enhanced computer suite costing around $200,000
In 2003 our baths area received a makeover with new fence, pool surround and refurbished changing rooms.
We now have three classrooms, Library, Computer Suite, Reading Recovery Room, A Multi Classroom and an impressive administration block.
So then this is the story of our waka, in which we carry our students on their educational journey, from its initial voyage up to the present time.
We are so proud of our modern, well resourced school and invite you all to see the magnificent facilities that have been provided.
