About Us
Our Vision
Our Best Always
Ako:
we learn together
Manaakitanga:
we care for each other
Rangatiratanga:
our best always
Kaitiakitanga:
guardianship of the environment
Whanaungatanga:
we respect each other
Our Facilities
The Pool
Hamilton West School is lucky to have a large swimming pool; it is situated across the road from the main part of the school on Hammond Street. This facility allows the children to learn to swim and enjoy a recreational opportunity.
The Library
The Catherine McLeod Library is a modern and attractive facility. There is a good selection of fiction and non-fiction resources available in the library.
Hard Courts
The school has a large hard court area for students to use for games such as netball and basketball.
5-year-old Playground
This dedicated space is designed specifically for our youngest students, providing a safe and engaging environment for play and exploration. It has fun slide, and tunnel inspired by the natural elements.
Junior Playground
This vibrant area is tailored for studends in Years 2-5, offering a variety of exciting play equipment to support physical development and social interaction. The playground includes features such as monkey bars and climbing frames.
Senior Playground
Coming soon – currently getting built!
School Hall
The school hall is a valuable resource and is used for a multitude of purposes. The exterior has just been repainted and the interior has been totally refitted, including a new kitchen, heat pumps and increased storage area.
Classrooms
The main emphasis of the classrooms at Hamilton West School is to facilitate the education of our students.
Sport Field
There is a large playing field available for the students to use during breaks and for teachers to take physical education activities.
Our Unique History
Hamilton West School is deeply connected to the rich Māori heritage of the area. Over 700 years ago, part of Pembroke Street was a Māori walking track. The school’s original location was known as Te Rapa, home to a large fortified pā, though the name was later mistakenly moved to northern Hamilton by early European surveyors. The nearby Lake Rotoroa was a key site for food, flax, and recreation.
Established in 1864, Hamilton West School is one of New Zealand’s oldest schools. Originally part of a military redoubt on Victoria Street (now St Peter’s Cathedral), the school later moved to the WINTEC site before settling in its current location in 1940. During WWII, it even served as a military hospital.
The school sits on land once a gully, filled with material from the Anglesea cut in the 1930s. Today, it proudly identifies with its history and natural surroundings, fostering a strong sense of belonging. Its large wooden classroom block is believed to be the longest wooden structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
