Hibiscus Coast Schools Guide

Local Schools, Local Families: The Hibiscus Coast Education Round-Up

Your local guide to primary and secondary schools from Milldale to Whangaparāoa

🌱 New and Growing Schools (Milldale & Orewa)

1. Nukumea Primary School (Orewa North West)

• Opened: 2023 (temporary campus); new site under construction
• Years: 1–6 | Planned roll: 420
• Highlights: Named after Nukumea Stream; culturally significant and designed for growth in north Orewa.

2. Ahutoetoe School (Milldale)

• Opened: 2023; permanent campus opened 2024
• Years: 0–6 | Roll: ~350; capacity up to 700
• Features: Satellite units for special education; inclusive and modern spaces.

3. Milldale Primary School (Milldale)

• Opened: 2023
• Years: 1–6 | Roll: ~370 initially
• Location: Within major Milldale housing development. Built for future expansion.

🏡 Established Primary Schools (Orewa & Coast)

4. Orewa Primary School

• Years: 1–6 | Founded: 1956 | Roll: ~600–800
• Central Orewa; walkable for many families, strong academic history.

5. Orewa Beach Primary School

• Years: 1–6 | Founded: 1978
• Close to beach; emphasises arts, sustainability, and beach culture.

6. Red Beach School

• Years: 1–6 | Founded: 1989
• Known for high parental engagement, gala days, and community connection.

7. Silverdale Primary School

• Years: 1–6 | Founded: 1869 (current campus opened 2006)
• A historic school with modern facilities; phased out Y7–8 in 2019.

8. Stanmore Bay Primary School

• Years: 1–6 | Roll: ~600
• Located near the Leisure Centre; well-regarded for its sports and arts programmes.

9. Gulf Harbour School

• Years: 1–6 | Founded: 2000s
• A scenic, well-resourced school located near the marina. Diverse roll.

10. Whangaparāoa Primary School

• Years: 1–6 | Well-established
• Centrally located on the peninsula; close feeder to Whangaparāoa College.

🏫 Private and Integrated Schools

11. Stella Maris Catholic Primary School (Silverdale)

• Years: 1–6 | Special Character: Catholic
• Highly regarded; strong values-based curriculum. Zoned and capped for roll size.

12. KingsWay School (Silverdale – Two campuses)

• Years: 1–13 | Special Character: Christian Integrated
• Primary, Middle, and Senior campuses; roll ~1,500+
• Strong academic outcomes, pastoral care, and faith-based values.

13. Wentworth Primary & College (Gulf Harbour)

• Wentworth Primary: Years 1–6
• Wentworth College: Years 7–13 | Private
• British-style education, small class sizes, Cambridge curriculum, excellent NCEA/Cambridge results.

🎓 Intermediate and Secondary Schools

14. Orewa College

• Years: 7–13 | Roll: ~2,000
• Large, zoned secondary with robust music, sports, arts, and academics. Near Orewa town centre.

15. Whangaparāoa College

• Years: 7–13 | Roll: ~1,600
• Modern campus; open learning spaces, STEAM emphasis. Enrolment zone enforced due to demand.

📊 School Snapshot Table

🧭 What to Consider as a Family

✅ Zoning is key – many of the established schools (like Orewa College, Red Beach, and Whangaparāoa College) operate strict enrolment zones. New families moving to the area should check catchments before buying or renting.

✅ New schools = modern facilities – families in Milldale, Millwater, and north Orewa benefit from purpose-built campuses and future-focused teaching.

✅ Private/Integrated – for those seeking Christian or faith-based values or British/Cambridge curriculum, KingsWay and Wentworth are standout choices.

✅ Community connection – schools like Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, and Gulf Harbour have active PTAs and high parent involvement.

🎒 Final Thoughts

With a mix of long-standing institutions and cutting-edge new schools, the Hibiscus Coast offers a rich educational landscape. Whether you’re a new family in Milldale or looking to change zones in Red Beach or Gulf Harbour, there are excellent choices at every level—from early learning to secondary.

📍 Tip: Visit schools during open days, check ERO reports, and explore each school’s character—not just the roll size. The “best school” is often the one that feels right for your child.