.png)
Our History
Our Journey: The story of Apii Te Uki Ou
Apii Te Uki Ou’s history is a story of parents coming together with a shared vision for their children — to give them the opportunity to learn, explore and experience education from an early age, building a lifelong love of learning and a strong foundation for quality education.
What began with determined parents grew through fundraising, community support and the dedication of staff committed to inclusive, meaningful learning. Our values hold us, and our vision continues to guide the way.
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 quality education through a play based learning approach, the very first classroom opened inside Lauren Parkinson’s garage in Betela.
Red represents the color of Puaikura.
Aotearoa Centre | 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 preschool was run in the Avatiu LDS Church hall in Term One of 1995. As the first generation of children grew, our founding parents expanded the school to Years 1 and 2 and worked hard to gain Ministry of Education registration as a primary school. Tinomana Ariki Ruta Hosking endorsed the vision of the school and helped encourage its registration. She became our school patroness because of her belief and support of Apii Te Uki Ou from the very beginning. Our first teaching principal, Kathy Nooroa, led the growing school, famously carrying the school’s resources to and from each location in her red sports car.
The colour yellow represents Avatiu.
Rangiura, Nikao | 1995 – 2001
A Season of Strong Growth
Seeking more room to grow, Apii Te Uki Ou was able to move to Rangiura to the land and premises of parents of the school - Ellena Tavioni and Edwin Pittman. Apii Te Uki Ou flourished here for seven vibrant years, during which our original school uniform was created by TAV. Rangiura is also where Saireni 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 - Apii 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.”
