A PROUD HISTORY

Through the marriage of their ancestor Tuwhakatere to Tuterangiatohia, the people of Ngai Takoto descend from the Kurahaupo waka. They had three children, one of whom was Maui. Tuwhakatere also married Tupoia, an ariki of Ngati Kahu. His favourite son Hoka was killed in battle. This caused the deeply bereaved Tuwhakatere to pine away and die; hence the tribal name Ngai Takoto.

Awanui School was opened as a Native School on May 13 1872. It was then sited in the Awanui Township. The son of Reverend Joseph Matthews, Earnest was the first teacher. In 1889 it become a ‘Board’ school for both Maori and Paheka children. There were just 49 students on the roll. 

In 1915 the school was moved to its present day site, additional buildings were added in 1933, 1937 and 1940. The Dental Clinic was added in 1946 and an Administration Block in 1967. The old building was moved to Waimanoni Marae around 1978. It is now the dining hall. The old  Dental Clinic was removed and  is now situated on a property by the Awanui River.

Awanui School has a long and distinguished history because of the remarkable heritage we have in our local people. Awanui people are persistent by nature and creative when facing challenges. There have been many challenges met over the past century.