From the merger of two schools arose a giant. Wainuiomata High School stands tall. It’s a testament to the spirit of Wainuiomata. This impressive school was formed in January 2002. It combined Wainuiomata College and Parkway College. Both had dwindling student numbers. Their facilities were underused. The government under Trevor Mallard a Wainuiomata resident himself stepped in. He oversaw a restructuring of the entire school network.
Wainuiomata High School now thrives on the former Parkway College site. The original Parkway College building was a typical 1970s design. Single-story classroom blocks of concrete. Low-pitched roofs and internal courtyards characterized its structure. The merger brought together around 800 students. This quickly exceeded the capacity of the existing buildings. Relocatable classrooms were added. Later government funding led to the construction of a new five-classroom block. This was the F block focusing on social sciences.
Despite this expansion the school’s roll continued to grow. It reached 940 students at one point. Those temporary classrooms remained a necessity. The old Wainuiomata College building was abandoned. It became an unexpected star. It served as a filming location for the television series Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby. Tragically much of the old school was destroyed by arson in 2010.
Wainuiomata High School welcomes students from across the Wainuiomata Valley. It also draws students from Lower Hutt. The 160 bus route provides easy access. This connects the school to Waterloo Interchange and Queensgate. In 2008 about 40 students or 5% of the student body came from outside Wainuiomata. The school boasts a diverse student population. In 2012 830 students attended. Five were international students. The gender split was roughly even. Māori and Pākehā students made up the majority. Pasifika and other ethnicities were also represented.
Today Wainuiomata High School continues its legacy. It serves the community. It offers a comprehensive curriculum including a bilingual program. The school’s motto Aspire Inspire guides its students. It strives for academic excellence and personal growth. Its story is one of adaptation resilience and community spirit. A true reflection of the heart of Wainuiomata.