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Welcome to Wainui School
“Small enough to nurture dreams, big enough to realise them.”
Nestled on the edge of Silverdale, Auckland, Wainui School offers the best of both worlds - rural charm with the convenience of city living just around the corner. Our peaceful setting includes spacious grounds, thriving gardens, native bush, a stream, and even our very own cycle track.
We’re a full primary school, catering to students from New Entrants to Year 8. Our unique environment isn't just beautiful - it’s part of how we teach. Whether it's exploring the bush as part of our inquiry learning, writing in the gardens, or using nature in maths and science, our tamariki learn in hands-on, connected ways.
A Rich and Balanced Education
At Wainui School, we pride ourselves on strong teaching in the core areas of English and Mathematics. Alongside this, our students enjoy engaging topics through inquiry learning, a wide range of sports, outdoor education (EOTC), creative arts, and music.
Our senior students in Years 7 and 8 benefit from an enriched intermediate programme designed to support a smooth transition to college. They enjoy leadership opportunities, learn a second language, and take part in specialist technology classes.
Learning in the Digital Age
We embrace technology to support and extend learning. All students have access to iPads and laptops, and our Year 7 and 8 students are part of a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programme - building digital fluency and independence.
Come See For Yourself
We’re incredibly proud of our friendly, inclusive school community. If you’d like to find out more or come for a visit, I’d love to show you around and introduce you to our happy students and passionate staff.
Ngā mihi nui,
Gillian Bray
Principal – Wainui School
Helpful Information
E-Tap information
E-Tap is our School Management System App
Download the app to keep up to date
SKIDS information
SKIDS provides a fun, safe, out of school care programme.
Sign up to SKIDS today
KINDO
Working together with Kindo, Wainui School can now bring you a fantastic way to view and pay for your child’s school needs online.
Download the app today
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Our Story
🌱 Early Beginnings
Wainui’s roots stretch back to the 1850s, when English, Scottish and Irish settlers arrived and began to shape the land. Families like Hutson, Thick, King, Lloyd and Jacob were some of the first, followed by the Lambert, Lamont, Fennell and Scott whānau—names that now proudly live on as our school house teams.
🌳 Life on the Land
The early landscape was wild—covered in tea tree, fern, and mighty kauri forests. Settlers made their living from timber and gum-digging, gradually clearing land for farms and homes.
🏡 Learning Begins
Before there was a schoolhouse, children were taught in the homes of local teachers. By 1870, the Wainui Presbyterian Church had been built—now featured in our school logo.
In 1879, the first classroom officially opened, though the head teacher had to be shared with another school—meaning learning wrapped up by lunchtime!
🎒 Growing with the Community
Wainui School became full-time in 1912 with 20 students. By 1946, the roll had tripled and a second classroom was built. The area continued to grow as more farms were developed.
🏫 A Piece of History Preserved
In 1969, the original school building was retired—but not forgotten. It was carefully moved to Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), where it still stands today.
🌟 Wainui Today
By the early 2000s, the roll had reached over 200. While farming once defined the area, today our whānau come from lifestyle blocks, local businesses, and all around the Coast, North Shore, and Auckland City.
Through it all, Wainui School has remained a heart of the community—a place where tamariki are nurtured, challenges are embraced, and learning is inspired by our surroundings.
