Wairakei Primary School is a quiet rural school nestled in Wairakei village easily accessible to the junction of state highway's 1 & 5 and the Eastern Transit route less than 10 km's north of Taupo.
Catering for children from New Entrant to Year 6, Wairakei Primary School is a co-educational State-funded contributing primary school drawn mainly from the surrounding areas north of the Taupo control bridge.
Less than 10 minutes drive from Taupo control bridge
Wairakei Primary School is located in a small geothermal village of 150 houses in close proximity to the larger town of Taupo. The school opened in 1959 with a close historical affiliation to the development of power generation. The schools main catchment areas, reflecting its mixture of both rural and urban families extends north of Taupo control bridge primarily through to Tutukau Road.
This is inclusive of, yet not limited to:
families of Wairakei village,
families of surrounding farming district north to Tutukau Rd, and extending east toward Ariatiatia
families extending west along Poihipi Rd inclusive of Oruanui Rd, extending into Acacia Heights
families inclusive of Kinloch village and into Acacia Bay village
families located closer to Taupo in Nukuhau and extending into central Taupo
View Location map
Bus services
Bus services are available for students from these areas.
View bus routes and conditions of service.
The 'rural' school roll is increasing and drawing from farming, professional and lifestyle families. With a maximum school roll of 280 students, Wairakei Primary School's ethnic makeup is approximately 80% Caucasian and 20% Maori from urban and rural communities. The Wairakei village surrounding the school is under going a major re-development as part of the Taupo City Council beautification programme. The village has a number of rental properties as well has personally owned homes. The residents association work in conjunction with the school and are actively involved in the schools activities via the school newsletter and community calendar
High community profile
The grounds encompass large playing fields, a gully playground, hard court areas and two adventure playgrounds maintained by our parents. The environment is developing through enviro-schools projects with a maze, native plants, vegetable garden and gardens of themes. The 'elephant houses' provide shelter from the sun, rain and wind. The local play-centre is located within the school grounds where mutual benefits accrue for the school and Play-centre Association.
The school comprises of 11 mainstream classes, providing high-quality education for our children. Excellence in the academic, cultural and sporting arenas is actively promoted. Our learning programmes are ably assisted by a dedicated and highly-trained experienced staff and support personnel. The school has a high profile in the community. Parents are involved in classroom programmes, school functions, sport fixtures and social activities. There is a high level of co-operation, with parents willing to offer assistance and expertise. The school has an active Parent Teacher Association that supports the school with additional resources. The Board of Trustees focusses in developing a shared vision through consultation meetings and parent surveys.