Our History

Waitara Central School in Waitara, Taranaki, was originally founded in 1875 as Waitara West School. Over the decades, the school evolved significantly to meet the needs of a growing community, particularly after World War II during the post-war baby boom.

In 1946, work began on a new District High School in Waitara East. By February 1947, Principal Mr. E.W.P. Massey was overseeing both the Primary Department at Waitara West and the Secondary Department at the new Waitara East site. As the student population grew, Forms One and Two (intermediate levels) were also housed at the Waitara East site, leading to the development of a Secondary School with an attached Intermediate Department.

In October 1953, Waitara East Primary School was established to accommodate younger students, and Mr. Massey was again tasked with overseeing its first classes, which began in 1954. With this development, Waitara West School was officially renamed Waitara Central School, now serving students from Primer to Standard Four.

Mr. Massey’s leadership during this period was particularly notable, as he was effectively headmaster of three schools simultaneously—a remarkable achievement in local educational history.

The school marked its centenary in 1975 and celebrated 125 years of service with a jubilee in 2000. Today, Waitara Central is a co-educational primary school catering to students in Years 1 to 6, continuing its legacy of dedication to education and community.

Today, Waitara Central School is a co-educational primary school catering to students from Years 1 to 6. The school continues to uphold its commitment to providing quality education, fostering a strong sense of community, and celebrating its rich heritage.