Tauranga Primary School, 1860's - (Organisation)

SummaryEarly Origins (1830s–1860s): The first educational buildings in Tauranga were part of the Church Missionary Society’s mission station at Te Papa. A theological institute and school for Māori children was then established, a 'Mission Training Institute' located on the rise where the old Post Office (Government Buildings) now stands on Willow Street. See also: The Industrial and Agricultural Institute, 1860-c.1872 (Place)

First Formal School (1866–1869): With growing conflict between Māori and Europeans, the Institute was closed in 1863 and was used as a hospital during the Pukahinahina and Te Ranga battle/massacre. It later became the first Tauranga School, serving children of settlers and military families. The exact date of establishment is unclear due to lost records, but it was likely between 1866 and 1869.

Quarter Acres Site (1872–1904): Around 1872, the school building was moved to a new site bounded by Edgcumbe Road, St John Street, Tenth Avenue, and Eleventh Avenue—known as the “Quarter Acres.” It was renamed the Opepe Memorial and District School in memory of soldiers killed at Opepe. This site became Tauranga No. 1 School.

Harington Street Site (1886–1898): Due to accessibility issues, a second school (Tauranga No. 2 School) was built in 1886 at Harington Street near Cameron Road. Later, No. 2 School was physically relocated in sections to the No. 1 School site, using a large wooden dray pulled by bullocks.

Fifth Avenue Site (1904–Present): After years of debate, by 1904 the No. 1 School was sold and subsequently removed and the Harington Street building was relocated again to a site on Fifth Avenue and Cameron Road (formerly Captain Crapp’s Paddock). This remains the current location of Tauranga Primary School. The southern wing was added during this move, and the site expanded over time to include Arundel Street.

Additional Buildings and Facilities (1907–1940s): In 1907 the District High School was incorporated into the same building and by 1911 the school was bursting at the seams with 293 children. In 1920 the junior school was relocated onto land bordering 5th and 6th Avenues. The Tauranga District School roll continued to grow and in 1944 the building of Tauranga College commenced (opening in 1946 and later renamed Tauranga Boys College) and the school, on its present site, was renamed Tauranga Primary School.

Historic Buildings demolished and repurposed (1978-1979:In 1978, the South Auckland Education Board decided to demolish the original No. 2 School buildings. The timber and joinery from the old structure were donated to the Tauranga Historic Village/Museum. Most of the materials were utilised in constructing the Museum’s No. 1 Complex. SourcesTauranga School centennial, 1871-1971.Tauranga Primary School Website - Our HistoryJournal of the Tauranga Historical Society Number 62 - 1978'Garcia Will Conduct His Own Works', Bay of Plenty Times article 20 September 1975

Stories - Organisations

Tauranga Primary School moments in history

Our Events (authority)

Tauranga School Diamond Jubilee - 1936 (Event)

Our Places (authority)

The Industrial and Agricultural Institute, 1860-1874 (Place)

Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 05-075

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Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries. Tauranga Primary School

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Tauranga Primary School, 1860's - (Organisation)