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Our History
Our Journey: The story of Api'i Te Uki Ou
Te Uki Ou - meaning "The New Generation" - would not be the thriving school it is today
without the small seedling planted over three decades ago: Tamariki Potiki.
Our history is a story of resilience, passion, a 'can-do' attitude, a lot of fundraising and a community of supportive and loving parents and educators who refused to let lack of space or resources limit their vision for our tamariki.
Betela | 1993
The Seedling of Tamariki Potiki
The journey began in 1993 when a group of dedicated parents envisioned a new kind of preschool. With just ten children and a commitment to play-based and motesorri typed learning, the very first classroom opened inside Lauren Parkinson’s garage in Betela.
Red represents the color of Puaikura.
Aotearoa Center | 1994
Finding Room to Grow
As word spread, more families wanted to enroll their potiki (preschool-aged children). Needing room to expand, the school packed up and moved to the Aotearoa Centre in Tupapa. It was a short but vital stepping stone in our story. School community efforts like sausage sizzles and stock takes were running around the clock to raise essential funds for our children's resources.
The colours black and white represent Tupapa.
Avatiu | 1995 (Term One)
Putting Down Roots as Te Uki Ou
The pre-school ran out of the Avatiu LDS church hall, our community rallied to expand the preschool to include Years 1 and 2. Kathy Nooroa became our first principal. Kathy famously packed and unpacked all the school's resources into her red sports car every single day! The primary school milestone and acceptance of the registration process with the Ministry of Education, was made possible by the endorsement of Tinomana Ariki - Ruta Hosking, who became our beloved honorary patroness.
The colour yellow represents Avatiu.
Rangiura, Nikao | 1995 – 2001
A Season of Strong Growth
Seeking more room to grow, we moved up the hill to Rangiura. We thank Ellena Tavioni and Edwin Pittman for providing this land and space for our school. We flourished here for seven vibrant years, during which our original school uniform was created by TAV. Rangiura is also where Saireni Pekepo-Poila (Aunty Sai) joined us in 1999. As our longest-serving staff member and a foundational pillar, Aunty Sai has dedicated decades to leading our peu Māori (culture) and reo Māori (language).
The color green represents Rangiura.
Ngatangiia | 2002 – Present
Our Permanent Home in Vaka Takitumu
Our village-to-village journey found its permanent home when we relocated to Ngatangiia — Te kopu o te ika (belly of the fish) —becoming a proud part of Vaka Takitumu for over two decades. Here, we have continued to thrive. Today, a dedicated Board of volunteer parents guides our strategic future, supported by the care of Pa Ariki and our wider community. We are grateful for our school journey.
The color maroon represents Takitumu.
Remembering the early years
Memories shared by Kathy Nooroa - Api'i Te Uki Ou's first Principal
“I remember the early days of Te Uki Ou, when I would pack the school supplies into my car each morning and pack everything away again at the end of the day because we were using different premises. It was hard work, but there was always someone ready to help. My husband Mata was a constant support, helping with maintenance and the grounds, preparing umu with the children and taking them into the community to learn. I remember the early teachers, dedicated parents and endless fundraising that helped provide the resources we needed. Most of all, I remember the children. Watching them grow, and seeing some become parents themselves, is very special. Te Uki Ou has always been a community effort, supported by families and friends who believed in its vision and values.”
