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Mangakino Primary School: A Rich History of Growth and Community

Mangakino Primary School has a long and vibrant history, closely tied to the development of Mangakino itself. The school first opened in September 1946 as a small hut with just one teacher and 13 pupils. During this time, Mangakino was rapidly growing as a temporary settlement to house workers for the construction of the Maraetai Dam as part of the Waikato hydroelectric scheme. Education for older students required daily travel to Putaruru, as no local secondary school existed.

Recognizing the town’s expansion and the increasing number of families settling in Mangakino, a Mangakino District High School was established in 1948. By 1954, it had the largest student population in New Zealand, reflecting the boom of the post-war era. This period marked a golden age for the school, with a bustling student community supported by a thriving township.

As the hydro project neared completion, Mangakino's population began to decline, and the structure of education in the town changed. The high school was eventually phased out, and Mangakino School transitioned into a full primary school(Years 1–8), which it remains today.

Over the decades, Mangakino School has evolved into a center of excellence for community-focused education. Situated beside the scenic Lake Maraetai, the school embraces its natural surroundings, offering unique outdoor learning opportunities, including Maara Kai (gardens), an orchard, a farm, and extensive play spaces. The school has continually adapted to meet the needs of its tamariki, embedding Te Ao Māori, Whare Tapa Whā, and locally designed curriculum to ensure students connect with their whakapapa, whenua, and community.

Today, Mangakino School is a proud reflection of its history—once a school built for hydro workers' families, now a thriving, innovative, and culturally rich learning environment that continues to grow and adapt for future generations.