1900
1901
1902
From Conception to Day One
The Epuni hamlet was home to about 2000 people at the turn of the century. We almost didn’t exist. In the meekness of winter in 1902, the Education Board Inspector didn’t think there was any demand for a school in the Epuni area. There were already two schools established; one in Taita and one in Lower Hutt. He decided to set up a committee to meet with the Hutt and Taita school committees and investigate the idea further.
31st July 1902 Wellington Education Board Inspector Bakewell reported that in his opinion there was no necessity to erect another school in the Hutt district. Accommodation was required for the Epuni children, but he thought it could be met by altering the sites of the Hutt and the Taita Schools. The Chairman laid the Board had no money to erect a third school in the Hutt district. A committee was appointed to meet the Hutt and Taita Committee in September and go into the whole question.
Robin Carlyon https://wairarapaschoolhistory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Epuni.pdf
Scene at section 119, Epuni, Lower Hutt, taken in 1901 by G Read, showing Flock Mill from the school site.
National Library
https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23233844
The building you see in this photo is the Epuni Flock Mill. The Flock Mill was located on the Waiwhetu stream, approximately where Rumgay Street and Riverside Drive meet today.
By the time spring rolled around, the frosty ground had thawed and Air Bakewell, the Education Board Inspector visited the district and met with the constituents and committees at Hutt, Taita and Epuni.
27th November 1902 The Land Board has decided, with the approval of the Minister of Lands and the concurrence of Parliament, to set aside Section 115, Epuni Hamlet, at the Lower Hutt, on which there are several buildings, as a site for a school. The section is in process of forfeiture. It occupies a good central position.
3rd December 1902 Wellington Education Board he committee appointed to deal with the application for the erection of a school to meet the requirements of the Epuni Hamlet and the adjoining district. reported that Messrs Bradey, Feist. Kebbell and Lee, together with Air Bakewell, Inspector of Schools visited the district on Tuesday, 28th October, and met representatives from tile school committees of the Hutt and the Taita, and of the residents at Epuni. After going over the whole of the district. from the Hutt to the Taita. the committee was satisfied that the Hutt School should be erected on the new site with the least possible delay, and that arrangements should be made for the erection of a new school somewhere mar the Epuni Hamlet Settlement. The committee believed that a suitable site could be secured in a convenient position.
Robin Carlyon https://wairarapaschoolhistory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Epuni.pdf
1903
First Epuni School Principal
In January, 1903 the plans for two schools, Epuni and Muriwai, were submitted and subsequently approved for development. By June, the furniture for the school was purchased by the Education Board, and various community and committee meetings were being held in the school room. The school’s first headmaster was Mr. Alexander Williamson, who was transferred from Taita school to lead the beginning years of Epuni School in 1903-1904. Mr. Williamson became the first person to receive a degree from a New Zealand university in 1874.1
the Early years
By August, 1903, the school had a roll of 105 pupils, with an average attendance of 86 students each day. From the financial records at the time, it looks as though the school had one teacher along with the headmaster, and an assistant or manager. Despite being built twice as big as necessary at the time, it is reported by W. H. Field, M.H.R. at a Department of Education meeting that “both Epuni and Muritai schools are absolutely full at the present time”.
27th August 1903. In a long article on the financial position of the Wellington Education Board was this: The creation of the Epuni Hamlet by special, settlement at the hands of the Government forcibly before the Board the need for a school there, which the Government recognised by placing certain forfeited sections at the Board’s disposal as a school site. This new building’ was erected at a cost of £817, and has now 105 children on the roll, with an average attendance of 86, 100 being the highest daily attendance.
Robin Carlyon https://wairarapaschoolhistory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Epuni.pdf
Gardening formed an important part of the school work in the early days and seeds were planted on 19th May in 1904. Mr Williamson was a keen naturalist, and his office walls were adorned with depictions of native birds.
The school inspector made some disparaging remarks on the condition of the school property, though this was largely due to the majority of it being muddy paddocks. Mud and dirt was difficult to keep out of the school buildings as the children came in from play. Mr Williamson complained to the inspector that as there was no front fence, wandering cows were destroying the children’s gardens.
1906
In 1906, fencing was installed for the school grounds, to be modelled off the fences at other schools in the region.
Of the school itself the two rooms were much the same. The infant room had high windows on the north and east walls, while the senior room windows faced the south and east. The west wall was bathed in sunshine for the greater part of the day but no sun ever entered either classrooms from this quarter as the only window in this wall admitted the sun into the corridor.
All the school furniture in those days was made of kauri – a delightful wood to carve even with a blunt “Nest” knife. Dual desks were supplied and there were, of course, fitted with slots in front for our wooden-framed, wire bound slates.
Lance Hall, A history of the Epuni School and district, 1963.
Each room was heated by a fire place in the corner and the only semblance to a cafeteria we had was that Miss Meager would always boil eggs for us in the cold weather. When Bernard Shaw visited New Zealand in the 1930’s and rolled out nationwide Milk and Apples in schools, this practice had already originated at Epuni School thirty years previously, although we had our own methods of acquisition and distribution.
In 1911 there were outbreaks of scarlet fever at Epuni School and rumours began about it being rampant in the community. The Health minister asked for investigations into the school and surrounding area to see if a source for it would become obvious. The school received a poor reputation because of this and students began travelling further to Taita and Hutt schools.
The school grounds were divided into four girls” playground was separated from the boys’ by 2a five foot fence later studded with young poplars. The boys’ playground was bisected by a deep watercourse and at the rear of the ground was another paddock which was later made into a football ground.
The boys’ playground between the school and the watercourse was the concrete floor of the previous owner’s fourteen-bail cowshed. It was the only paved area and was ideal for spinning tops and playing marbles.
Lance Hall, A history of the Epuni School and district, 1963.
1908
Even in the early years, the school has had tight links with the environment and nature. In 1906, discussions were had with the Wellington Education Board to establish an agriculture class with Mr Davies. While they could set up a class in the school rooms, there became the issue of having a sizeable garden, and land was fairly expensive for just that use. A decision to find a site half way between the Hutt and Epuni schools to house a laboratory and garden was made.
The children usually walked to school although some had bicycles. Mr. Williamson always rode on one from Park Avenue where he lived and always mounted it from a step on the rear axle. Miss Meager never rode but a familiar sight in those days was this beloved teacher striding towards Lower Hutt with a string of chattering youngsters running along either side of her.
Lance Hall, A history of the Epuni School and district, 1963.
By 1908, the school was staffed by the headmaster and two teachers to cope with the growing numbers. The establishment of another school, Eastern Hutt School, was in the process of finding a suitable site to assist with the rising roll. The outbuildings had to be improved and renovated, and the school rooms were reportedly over crowded with standing room only for some pupils.
1909
1911
In 1909, Mr Williamson had students exploring the local flora for ferns during the summer.
“A wide field of usefulness is open to the society in encouraging a more intimate acquaintance on the part of the young folk with ferns, and indeed with the whole of our native plant life. In this connection the headmaster of the Epuni school is accomplishing something. having offered a prize for the best collection of pressed fern fronds gathered by his scholars during the summer vacation. These are being sent on to Mr Jolliffe to be named and classified”
Robin Carlyon https://wairarapaschoolhistory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Epuni.pdf
The school roll was 162 in 1909
In 1911 in July, Mr Williamson announced his retirement and resignation as the school principal. He was 62 at the time. He was succeeded by another experienced principal, Mr. Jas. Davidson, who had been principal in the area at various schools. Mr. Davidson would remain as principal of Epuni School until 1927, making him the second longest serving principal in the school’s history.
The school roll dropped significantly in 1911, down to 115, but this was due to Eastern Hutt School opening, and Epuni School was left with two teachers.
1913
1915
The school rooms had their galleries removed in 1913. Galleries were small stages or platforms in the classroom upon which the teacher could stand and survey the class and ensure students were completing their work. They were removed on the proviso that the rooms would not be used for dancing. This led to a bit of a debate amongst the community as to the appropriateness of dancing in school buildings.
Dancing in school buildings was a matter which came before the Education Board yesterday, a communication having been received from the Epuni School Committee requesting the board not, to insist on its direction that dancing should, not be permitted in schools. Mr. A. W. Hogg pointed out that nearly “every school in the country was used for dancing, but in many places the settlers built a hall for that purpose. The Chairman (Mr. R. Lee) said that the Act left it to the discretion of the school committee, but he thought it would be better if dancing were not permitted.
Robin Carlyon https://wairarapaschoolhistory.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Epuni.pdf
The school was involved in a lot of community events, including fundraisers, such as concerts, musicals, and dances and even weddings. These would be held in the schoolrooms as they were a central location for the community.
The school roll continued to decline, reaching 93 in 1914. The school had a roll of 77 when it started in the summer of 1915.
1919
1922
1923
1927
In 1919, H.M.S. New Zealand returned from having served in three major naval battles in the First World War. It toured around the country and was due in Wellington harbour in August. A bulletin went out for children attending the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth standards at the Hutt, Epuni, Normandale, and Taita Schools are requested to meet, at the Petone wharf to embark on the Duchess for the purpose of visiting H.M.S. New Zealand.
Prior to 1922, students from Epuni School would have to go to Petone to attend home science and woodworking classes. A Technical School was built on Woburn Road to serve the students from Hutt District High School, Eastern Hutt, Epuni, and Taita schools in these subjects.
The gully that ran through the school was filled in during 1923, along with the other lower lying parts of the school grounds. The neighbouring farmers would work on this on Saturday’s and those looking for work due to the Great Depression finished off the job.
Mr. Davidson, the second Principal of Epuni School, retired from school work in 1927. He was farewelled with a very pleasant afternoon tea with a large attendance of pupils and parents, as well as local dignitaries. He was succeeded by Mr Stevenson who lead the school for the next 3 years.
1930
1931
During the 1930’s New Zealand was recovering from the Great Depression, and fundraising had become a focus for the school. In addition to this, there was generosity in the spirits of children at Epuni School. In 1931, in response to the Napier earthquake, they held a fundraiser at their annual picnic, raising £8 and 2 shillings for the Mayor’s Earthquake Relief Fund. That equates to about $550 in 2023.
Funds were raised to cover the upgrade of the outbuildings to have flush toilets, replacing the latrine style toilets that had existed previously. The school also held a concert consisting of musical performances, songs, and dances. Epuni School and its community filled St. James’ hall in efforts to raise funds towards a school piano. Mr. M. A. Tremewan, who was headmaster at the time, thanked all in attendance.
1932
1935
Mr. Tremewan took over the principalship of Epuni School after Mr Stevenson in 1930 and following the concert in 1932 he would continue to hold fundraising events, including dances in the schoolrooms, charging for admission to these to raise money for the school. Mr. Tremewan was a devout Christian and was heavily involved in Youth Committees and Student Christian Movements at the time. The roll at the time was only 90 students.
In 1935, the roll went up to 147 and the committee was congratulated on the wonderful improvement made to the grounds during the previous three years. A new room which cost £423 was added to the buildings, and by the beginning of 1936, the roll had increased to 175, with 5 staff members.
Lance Hall, A history of the Epuni School and district, 1963.
1937
1942
In 1937 there was another epidemic of infantile paralysis and the school did not re-open until May. A detached “open-air” classroom was completed at a cost of £923.
The school roll had jumped to 200 around this time, but it dropped down to 160 when the Waterloo School was opened in 1938.
In August the Government commenced issuing milk to children, thinking it would assist in recovery and prevention of polio. Milk, as mentioned earlier, had already been provided for children at Epuni School 30 years earlier, showing just how before it’s time the school was.
In 1942, the headmaster, Mr. N Y Smith, enlisted in the Army. During his service in the war, L G Bilcliff oversaw the running of the school until Mr. Smith’s return in 1944. There were 8 teachers and the school roll had ballooned to 296. Additional prefabricated classrooms were erected and an admin block with two classrooms were added to the main building.
1945
By July of 1945, the school had increased in size to the point of over crowding, and Standard 2, 3 and 4 were conveyed to the old Hutt Central School to relieve the numbers at Epuni School.
Mr. Connor took over the headmaster duties from Mr. Smith in 1946, with the school roll reaching 498 students and 14 teachers by October. The school dental clinic was also built in this year, and still exists in its original location on the front corner of the school.
In late 1948 the country would experience another outbreak of polio, a debilitating disease that affected children. Schools were closed across the country to try and stop the spread. Epuni School was closed during this time as it approached it’s 50th year.
1950
1953
Fifty Years in the Making
Throughout the 1950’s, as a reaction to the war, the Government State Housing scheme was put in place, and suburbs like Naenae, Taita and Epuni saw prolific growth due to increase in housing options. In 1952, the school hired caretaker Mr. Ron Evans. Mr Evans became a mainstay of Epuni School and no history should be written without including him.
In 1953, Epuni School saw its 50th year of being open. Here is a list of other events going on in Lower Hutt at this time:
- The War Memorial Library was opened in 1956, with the Town Hall being finished in 1957.
- Also in 1957 was the opening of the Melling Bridge.
- The polio outbreak that closed schools across the country had occurred, and in 1956, 44,000 New Zealand schoolchildren were vaccinated against it.
Labels added for Epuni School.
Lance Hall, a pupil at the school in 1904, recollected much of the history of the school and published it for the celebrations. Much of the early history listed above has been gained from his insights.
“Over the week-end (18th. and 19th.) the fiftieth anniversary the Golden Jubilee was held at the school. The Minister of Education, the Hon. R. Algie, the Mayor of Lower Hutt, Mr. Dowse, Board Representatives, Mr. J. McDonald and several hundred ex-pupils were present. The whole celebrations were carried out most successfully although showery weather marred some of the outdoor functions.
Lance Hall, A history of the Epuni School and district, 1963.
1954
New Zealand is full of different creatives, and one of the most prominent writers and poets has to be James K. Baxter. In 1952, after having completed his teaching training, Baxter began teaching at Epuni School, where he was appointed as the Assistant Master (Deputy Principal). His love of poetry and written language became evident in his classroom, with student’s flourishing in this areas as well. It was during this time where he wrote the poems in his posthumously published work “The Tree House, and Other Poems for Children“. 3
For the opening of the school hall, he wrote a poem as part of the celebrations, included below.
When Grandad said his tables through
Epuni School was small and new
Instead of fifteen rooms just two – fifty years ago
Grandmother did the same of course
She rode to school on an old grey horse
Or else came barefoot through the gorse –
walking very slow
They wrote their sums upon a slate
They got the strap when they were late
In class they sat up very straight –
and answered yes or no
Girls weren’t supposed to make a noise
They didn’t have so many toys
They never never played with boys –
unless the teacher said so
A creek ran through the football ground
There were green paddocks all around
Where shops and houses now are found –
the cows went to and fro
Where would we go for our lunchtime snack
If suddenly the clock turned back
And the comer shop was a brown haystack –
in a field where turnips grow
They rode in carts, we ride in trains
And watch the sky for new jet planes
But Grandad had to use his brains –
just the same you know
Though Grandma never saw a bus
She dressed her dolls and made a fuss
And went to parties just like us –
with candles in a row
Though we can see a film each week
We still catch crawlies in the creek
And come home late with tired feet –
and mud from head to toe
Though we are not yet very tall
We’ve come along to meet you all
And help to open our new hall –
so now we’ll curtsy low
We like our homes, we like our school
We like our teachers – as a rule
And after all, we are the school –
we’re the reason for the show.
Written for Epuni School by James K Baxter
In 1954 was the Great Plague of Epuni School. With a roll of 385, Mr. Ward was the headmaster. On the 11th of March, a swarm of black flies from the neighbouring market garden manure pile descended on the school, causing mayhem amongst the pupils as they flew in and around the classrooms. Mr. Ward immediately called the Health Department and the Board. They decided to use smoke bombs to try and rid the property of the flies. Impressive volumes of smoke began finding its way out through the roof, causing the fire brigade to be called out, only adding to the interest of the occasion.
1955
The school used to have many different community events, including a fairly large bonfire night to commemorate Guy Fawkes in 1955. About 1,000 people came to the school and funds were raised for the school hall project. The bonfire night became an annual event until 1960 when it was decided it was too difficult to control and could be dangerous. In December, Epuni School would hold a flower show, and this too continued to be an annual event due to it’s interest and success.
In addition to all the population growth, housing development and civic buildings being built in Lower Hutt, Epuni School built the school hall in 1956, which is in the same location and layout as we see it today, with the stage at one end opposite to the entrance, and side rooms adjacent.
Above is a zoomed in image from the 1958 overhead photo shown earlier. In it we can see the original school rooms with the porched entranceway, and the newly built school hall in the bottom corner of the grounds.
1957
Mr. Ward resigned to take up the role of Headmaster at Taita Intermediate School (now Avalon Intermediate) and he was succeeded by Mr. Rankin in 1957. The school roll at the time was 321 pupils.
In 1958 over 1000 pounds were raised for school swimming baths which were completed by 1959, after many years of sending children all the way to Riddiford Pool for swimming instruction.
Alex Burton, Enid Logan, Commemorating the centenary of Epuni Primary School, 1903-2003, 2003
This outdoor pool was built out the back of the second school room, in the space between Block B and where the school garden is situated now. It wasn’t heated, and was only used to offset those hot summer days and give swimming lessons for the pupils.
Interestingly enough, with the Riddiford pools being demolished in 1987, the Huia Pools were then built, where Swimming instruction happens for the children at Epuni School today!
1960
1962
1964
In 1960, Mr. J Smith took over as Headmaster and stayed at the school until 1965.
The original school rooms in Block A had been the only classrooms serving the school for 60 years. With the influx of state housing in the area, the school was growing and it lead to the erection of Block B. This was completed in 1962 and was called the new “Infant Block” as the two classrooms were built to house the New Entrants and Year 1 & 2 students. It also had a medical room and storage cupboard. These two classes are now called Rata (Room 4) and Tawhai (Room 5). The boiler room with central heating for the classrooms was also installed.
Epuni School would have School Camps for the Standards 2, 3 and 4 held at Akatarawa in April of 1964. These were not too dissimilar to the Camps held today at Camp Kaitoke. “School camps became a regular feature of the school two-year or three-year calendar (hence if standards 3 and 4 went it was every two years so no-one missed the experience).”
Alex Burton, Enid Logan, Commemorating the centenary of Epuni Primary School, 1903-2003, 2003
Later on, the School Camp would be held at Waikanae at El Rancho, before eventually returning to the foothills of the Rimutakas at Camp Kaitoke.
1966
In 1966, Mr. Graves took over as Principal at Epuni School for a short two years. In those years however, Mr. Graves had a big impact, including getting to work with Mr. Evans to sand the corridor floorboards, using two huge sanding machines that the school had hired. Mr. Graves also made the changes to the first four classrooms in the main building, reorganising them to make three larger classrooms, becoming ready in the summer of 1968.
In 1966, Lower Hutt celebrated it’s 75th Jubilee. Many community events were held, and a large parade took place through the city, filled with floats on the backs of trucks and trailers from different organisations from around the Hutt Valley. Ken Blackburn (later a famed NZ Actor) designed and built the float for Epuni School, taking out the top prize from the parade.
Mr. Graves was succeeded by the third longest serving Principal at Epuni School, Mr. Stan Butcher who served from 1968 through until 1981. The school roll was 291 at the time Mr. Butcher took over.
1970
1972
Throughout the 1970’s, the school continued its ties with nature, the environment and the community. Walking down Riverside Drive, where the old Flock Mill was located, between Rumgay Street and Heather Grove, you will see several Willow trees growing tall and proud on the river bank. One even has a swing in it, and tables and chairs have been placed in the shade they create. Those trees were planted by Epuni School students in the early 1970’s.
Mr. Butcher was heavily involved with conservation issues. His work with the Forest and Bird Society led to several projects, such as cabbage trees being planted along the eastern firebreak, work at the tidal marshes of Pauahatunui Inlet and restoration of native plants on Somes Island. He raised many of the seedlings used in these enterprises himself and was made a Life Member of the Forest and Bird Society in recognition of his work, and continuing the strong links that Epuni School has with the environment.
In 1972, the outbuildings that house the toilets were no longer fit for purpose, and were removed. However, the concrete building was kept and moved to behind the school hall, where it still stands today. The crane that moved them was also used to move one of the classrooms adjacent to the new Infant Block, where Kōwhai (Room 2) and Tōtara (Room 1) is located currently. Its foundations were deteriorating and it had to be moved. It was moved behind the original schoolroom, Block A, and served several purposes in it’s life; from the new entrants classroom, to being a resource and storage room, through to a performing arts and painting studio, known as the Arts Fab even today.
In July of 1975 more classrooms were installed, after the Standard 3 and 4 classes had to be taught in the school hall for a year. They were demountable, and arrived in halves, as can be seen in the photo to the right. These replaced the classrooms that were lost to the fire in 1974.
1976
1976 saw the very sad occasion where Mr. Ron Evans was forced to retire due to ill health. He had served the school for 24 years and was well loved by the school community. There are plenty of stories of Mr Evans over the years, including helping put out fires, sanding floors with Mr. Graves, and of course with his dog Gip.
No account of the school’s history would be complete without mention of Ron Evans, School Caretaker for almost 25 years. He is remembered with great affection by countless pupils and staff for his selfless devotion to the school, his willingness to undertake many arduous tasks outside the scope of his official duties, and his firm but kindly manner with the children.
Alex Burton, Enid Logan, Commemorating the centenary of Epuni Primary School, 1903-2003, 2003
“Mr Smith, Headmaster in 1960 wrote of him, “Ron Evans well recalls the night he caught a party enjoying a midnight swim in the school baths minus any kind of swimming apparel. He regrets to this day that he did not take their clothes and leave them with the highly entertaining problem of finding their way home without them!”
“Mr Evans has seen more teachers come and go than anyone else. There are only two categories as far as he is concerned — tidy ones and untidy ones. For years he has been on the scene very early in the morning — 5.30 in the winter to light the boiler — and has brewed a cup of tea to enjoy with those teachers arriving on an early train.
His dog, Gip, has never been far away, sniffing out a mouse in someone’s cupboard.”
Excerpt from Commemorating the centenary of Epuni Primary School, 1903-2003, Burton, Logan, 2003.
Mr. Evans was given a fitting farewell, with an evening dinner for parents, board members and staff, followed by an emotional assembly with the children in the following morning’s assembly.
1978
75 Years Young
The roll at the end of 1977 was listed at 359 pupils. In 1978 the school celebrated its 75th Jubilee. It was a momentous occasion and was celebrated by staff, board and pupils, both past and present.
Gwenda Southward revised earlier transcripts and added her own research into a commemorative booklet for the occasion. Lower Hutt renowned school photographer Lewis Scott (Snr) took a series of photos of pupils from each decade from the roof of the school dental clinic. 15 of the original students from 1903 to 1912 were in attendance, all looking proud as punch of how far their school had come. On the night of the ‘mix and mingle’ event, the school hall was absolutely packed, with past pupils and staff members of the school all crammed inside due to the abhorrent weather outside.
The school environment and the learning style had changed significantly since its inception. No longer were 40 students of a wide range of ages bustled into a small school room, many left standing around the corners of the room due to the sheer numbers. Teacher-Pupil ratios improved the classroom environments no end, and this was supported by official policies from the Government and Minstry of Education.
“A school is much more than its buildings: it is made from all the people who work and study there, and from all that they do together. The past decade has seen valuable and necessary changes in teaching methods, in the things taught and in the equipment provided for children to use in learning and for teachers in guiding children to learn. The world is changing and schools must attempt to respond to meet the needs of tomorrow’s adults. Epuni School has been fortunate in its teachers over this period. As a team they have shown energy, enterprise and imagination in changing the shape of education without relaxing the standards of competence in the basic subjects and self-discipline expected of the children.”
Summery by Stan Butcher, excerpt from Commemorating the centenary of Epuni Primary School, 1903-2003, Burton, Logan, 2003.
1980
1981
Modern AGE
While the 1980’s isn’t really what we’d consider as “modern” today, at the time there was a lot of development happening in the technology space. Epuni School got its first computers in 1980. Four Commodore machines were installed in a classroom, and students would have one session per week where they could go and learn how to use them.
In 1981, Mr. Butcher retired after serving the school as Principal for 13 years.
“He placed great value on being available to his pupils. His door was always open. To give his undivided attention during school hours, necessitated doing much of the administrative work when others were not around. Sometimes staff would receive a memo dated, and with the time, ‘1.30am’ on the top. Stan wanted to impart to his school a love for the native flora and fauna. He took care of and replenished the native tree area between the school and the hall, establishing further areas of plantings around the school.” Enid Logan, 2003.
Excerpt from Commemorating the centenary of Epuni Primary School, 1903-2003, Burton, Logan, 2003.
Mr. Dennis Bridle stepped into the role of Principal, remaining the head of the school until 1987.
During his time there, the non-european part of the roll surpassed the 40% mark. The Māori and Pasific Island pupils featured strongly in the roll. The roll at this time hovered around the 300 mark, until 1986.
During the 80s the school roll hovered above 300 until 1986 and then significant trends hit home. These were partly a result of national trends as population demographics such as family size hit home, but it was also a localised demographic. Zoning for schools disappeared in the brave new world of ‘Tomorrow’s Schools’ and Rogernomics – the result was similar for many schools in a circle around Eastern Hutt. The roll at Boulcott, Dyer Street and Epuni suffered as little control was exerted in overall roll strategy in a particular region. Some schools were growing exponentially whilst others because of position or socio-economic-cultural perceptions were allowed to fend for themselves. Hence the roll at Epuni dropped to 270 in 1987, under 300 for the first time since the late 60s, dropping further to 255 in 1990 and hovering between 200 and 230 between 1991 and 1998, and between 160 and 200 during the years, 1999-2002.
Alex Burton, Enid Logan, Commemorating the centenary of Epuni Primary School, 1903-2003, 2003
1988
In 1987, Epuni School purchased some 300 Christmas trees from Solway Primary School in Wairarapa to sell to the local community as a fundraiser.
In 1988, two classrooms in the main school building were merged together into one large classroom, where two teachers could teach the two classes together. We call this classroom Kahikatea (Room 6) today. This seems to be a concept well before it’s time, as the same method was carried out across the country in the 2010’s, calling them “Modern Learning Environments” or “MLE’s”. The students of the two classes had to catch a bus to nearby Waterloo School and use a couple of their classrooms while this classroom was constructed.
The Epuni School Logo or Crest was emblazoned on the front of a school document that was sent out to Epuni School parents in 1988. This seems to have been in place for a number of years, with the crest appearing as early as 1966 on the back of the winning float for the Lower Hutt 75th Jubilee parade. As far as we know, the crest remained as the School Logo since that time, possibly even earlier.
Ake Runga, meaning Ever Onwards (or Ever Upwards in 1953), has regularly been used as the School motto as early as 1953 at the 50th Jubilee. It has been repeated ever since, with headmasters using it to sign off their speeches or publications right up to the final words in the Centenary jubilee booklet in 2003.
1990
As the country celebrated 150 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, Epuni School was embracing new growth in diversity. New settlement patterns in the community saw new immigrant families from Somalia, Iraq, Yugoslavia, China and South East Asia. This continues to this day with many cultures from around the world represented at Epuni School.
1995
2000
In 1995, Epuni School had its first female principal, Bunnie Winning. She was principal from 1995 to 2017 and had a strong vision of the school and community working together in every capacity. She had been a teacher at Epuni School in 1975, back when Rooms 1 and 2 of Block B were being built.
One of the early successes for Bunnie was the encouragement of after school activities and teams of sporting enthisasts. The aerobics team came second in New Zealand.
Enid Logan, a teacher at Epuni School for 26 years, retired in 1997. She had taught in the junior department for most of this and had instilled a level of calm in the junior block. She had a passion for the creative impulse in art and language and possessed a high degree of patience to create a great atmosphere in the junior department. Mrs Logan was instrumental in recording some of the history recorded on this page. She still has resources with her name handwritten on them around the school some 25 years later!
In the year 2000, at the turn of the millennium, the school had 180 pupils enrolled – a far cry from the dizzying heights of the 1950’s and 60’s. A “Millennium Sign” was made for the front of the school, commemorating and welcoming people from all the different cultures that are represented at Epuni School. This held pride of place on the front of the school building for many years. The ESOL Teacher at the time, Jenny Thompson, recalls at one count in the early 1990’s there were over 15 languages represented in the school roll being spoken as the main language at home.
2003
a century of epuni school
Epuni School turned 100 years old in 2003. It was a huge moment in the history of the school. At the time, the school had 161 pupils.
As part of the booklet produced for the Centenary celebrations, Enid Logan, a long term staff member in the Junior School at Epuni, created a poem as a reply to James K. Baxter’s from 1954.
Another Fifty Years have passed
Since JK penned his verse which asked
How much Epuni School had changed?—
from fifty years ago.
Pupils then in fifty-three,
Are Grans and Grandads now, you see.
Ask them to share activities-
at which you have a go.
You still may say your tables through
But now you use equipment new
To help you understand what’s true-
and check with calculators, so.
You come to school with Mum or Nan,
And get picked up by car or van,
You skate or ‘blade’, when Grandad ran—
neither should be slow
When first you come, at five, to school,
You read a book, swim in the pool,
And write your name and story cool—
ideas begin to flow.
You learn to use technology, computer, video, CD, Communicate by inter-net, and mail that they have labelled ‘e’,
Nan used the phone, sent mail by sea—
now news is sent in half a mo.
Then photographs were black and white
And tinted to make pictures bright,
Now we can click and bring to light—
an instant colour one you know.
In fifty-three through seventy-three
To the hall we’d go to see,
The weekly film, one two or three—
now we watch a video.
We ride in cars on scenic trains
We holiday, play sport, watch games
We get around the world in planes—
not by sea so slow.
‘Instant’, seems to be the rage, but just as
Grandma’s fond adage,
Reminds us that our greatest need is to be
kind, and sure to heed
The wise advice of those who know, to
persevere, be gentle, grow
In loyalty, be gentle, true and loving to your
neighbour too.
This is character building stuff.
You can never have enough
of these good sterling, qualities.
To build your life on such as these,
takes time and effort, less of ease.
Then one day, you come to know,
how good character to grow.
Written for Epuni School by Enid Logan, 2003
We are not sure when this Epuni Primary School logo was developed. It was during Bunnie Willing’s time as Principal of the school and looked to make links between Epuni School and the Tūi birds that would frequent the area, enjoying the many native trees that had been planted in the school’s grounds for many years.
2012
One of the major successes at Epuni School during Bunnie Willing’s time has to be the Common Unity Project. This was conceived with her neighbour, Julia Milne, and was an attempt to connect the community with places and sources of food in the local area. Beginning with the school, Mrs Willing and Julia set aside an acre of land on the school grounds, not too dissimilar to when Mr Davies was looking for an area to run his agricultural classes back in 1906. From there, Julia began assembling volunteers, while Mrs Willing and the teachers worked with the pupils at the school to tend to and grow food in the garden.
“It started because we wanted to create a local food system for Epuni. It is unfathomable to me that children in this country do not have enough good food. So we were able to use an old football field at Epuni Primary school and create an organic urban farm. Now all of the children at the school work in the garden on Tuesdays (parents and care givers are encouraged to join in and have some fun) and it is family gardening time on Saturdays, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The garden produces enough food to make a large contribution to hot school lunches for the children three days a week. The school gets donations of food to provide what else is needed and every participating family can take home the vegetables that they need for that week.
Adult and Community Education, https://www.aceaotearoa.org.nz/common-unity-project-aotearoa-together-we-grow, 2017
Learning in the garden, growing and gathering food, creating opportunities to share the kai through a koha kitchen and being involved in the community all stemmed from the partnership between Epuni School and Common Unity Project Aotearoa. In 2014, the project won the Wellington Airport regional community award for voluntary services, and in 2019, Julia received Queens Birthday honours for services to the community.
2014
In May of 2014, Epuni School installed a bike track around the perimeter of the school. Rolling down hills, weaving around mounds and speeding along the straight all became part of the fun of play times.
Epuni School’s numbers had dropped to low numbers due to the State owned housing at the back of the school being demolished. In 2014 the number of students at Epuni School was around 90. This is half the number of students than the school had at the turn of the century.
2017
Today
In 2017, Mrs. Janet Evans took over from the retiring Bunnie Willing. She came to Epuni School after being the Deputy Principal at Maungaraki School.
In 2019 and 2020, the roll numbers remained under 100 as the rebuilding of the State housing was still stagnant.
2020
No sooner had Mrs. Evans gotten settled at Epuni School when the world was hit by a pandemic virus called COVID-19. In March of 2020, schools were heading towards the end of term 1, where over the course of a weekend, turned up on Monday to send students home due to a “stay at home” order from the Government. This was similar to when schools had to close for the polio epidemic in the 1950’s. It was uncertain how long this would last for, so school holidays were brought forward. Unlike the 1950’s, schools were able to connect with students via technology and use tools like video conferencing and virtual classrooms to teach lessons to students at home. Teachers would send work to students via email and websites, while students without devices or internet would be sent hardbacks of school work to do. The TV channel also put together some lessons for students to join in with.
Part of this learning saw one of the teachers at Epuni School put together a bit of a history of the school video. You can watch it here.
In mid 2020 the students returned in full to Epuni School. There were still cases of the virus in the community, and those that got it were asked to self isolate. But while they were away, the school kept running, and in June, the school opened the new school playground. Nestled on the northern edge of the school property in the shade of a wall of trees, the green and natural timber look of the playground continues to show the link with the environment that Epuni School has always had.
2021
2023
2021 saw the completion of the first stages of Kāinga Ora housing in the area behind Epuni School. As part of this project, a community basketball court was developed on Epuni School land, able to be used by the students during the day, and the community in the weekends and evenings. In 2022 the basketball court was completed and opened to the community.
In 2023, Epuni School held a Twilight Gala for the community. Monies raised from the gala went towards the installation of a new sandpit. The roll in 2023 had increased to 137 pupils by the end of the year.
In 2028 Epuni School will celebrate it’s 125th year of continuous operation. We hope you will come and celebrate with us.
Epuni School Principals
| 1903 – 1911 | Mr A W Williamson |
| 1912 – 1927 | Mr J Davidson |
| 1927 – 1930 | Mr W H Stevenson |
| 1930 – 1937 | Mr M A Tremewan |
| 1937 – 1939 | Mr E H Taylor |
| 1940 – 1942 | Mr N Y Smith |
| 1942 – 1944 | Mr L G Bilcliff |
| 1944 – 1945 | Mr N Y Smith |
| 1946 – 1947 | Mr J Connor |
| 1948 – 1949 | Mr A C Richards |
| 1950 – 1956 | Mr J C Ward |
| 1957 – 1959 | Mr N J Rankin |
| 1960 – 1965 | Mr J Smith |
| 1966 – 1967 | Mr E H Graves |
| 1968 – 1981 | Mr C S Butcher |
| 1981 – 1987 | Mr D Bridle |
| 1989 – 1990 | Mr R Brodie |
| 1991 – 1994 | Mr W Austin |
| 1995 – 2017 | Mrs B Willing |
| 2017 – present | Mrs J Evans |
Epuni School Logo
c.1966 – c1988
c.2000
c.2010 – 2017
2017 – present
Famous New Zealanders FROM Epuni School
John Mansell
Student
Yachtsman, First New Zealander to be awarded Chartered Master Mariner status, CMMar.
Claude England
Student
U17, U19 NZ Tennis Champion
