Explore

Drury wetland’s ‘eeling’ power

There’s something more than a little fishy about a monumental addition to the Franklin landscape, one of the largest constructed wetlands in the country.

“The tuna [eel] design was chosen for both its cultural significance to mana whenua as well as for functional purposes,” Peter Norfolk from Tonkin Taylor says of a new multimillion-dollar freshwater wetland at Drury South Crossing. “The S-shaped design, with its winding curves and varying elevations, is necessary [for] a slow meandering stream.” the new subdivision, Drury South Crossing CEO, Stephen

The ‘S’ shape helps ensure it will prove a healthy Hughes, confirms. waterway by removing sediment and pollutants before “Residential lawns and grass around houses [helps] they reach the Hingaia Stream and Manukau Harbour, he contribute to capturing sediment from stormwater explains. runoff, however modern subdivisions tend to have less

Created by dam design experts along with artists from lawn, which increases the need to capture runoff from local iwi, the wetland took two years to complete and surrounding roads and housing.” covers 35,000sqm. It opened earlier this year. As an added bonus, the wetlands are an expansive

“Bringing this design to life in a relatively short space of recreational green space for residents of the subdivision time required the latest in sophisticated 3D modelling and and the wider community, Mr Hughes adds. construction techniques.” “The creation of this new wetland and public

In addition to helping improve water quality, it will recreational area is designed to set a new standard for provide a habitat for endangered native eels, fish and residential and industrial developments in the Auckland birds. It is intended to strike an environmental balance with region.”

1 2

Get to know Franklin!

It will take time before newcomers to Franklin district start to recognise or discover landmarks and places of interest. So, how well do you know the area? Have you visited or seen some of the places shown on this page? If not, do some research and take time out to visit a few – it’s one way to become familiar with the local environs find out what’s on offer.

3

4 5 6

7 8 9

Best foot forward on the peninsula

Franklin district is blessed with stunning scenery right on its doorstep. In particular, the Awhitu Peninsula is a must explore region where newcomers will discover many a ‘gem’. Certainly, there’s no need to set out across the world, or even New Zealand to discover ‘treasures’ like those on the peninsula which stretches out between the Manukau Harbour and the Tasman Sea and is less than an hour’s drive from Pukekohe.

WAIUKU:

At the base of the peninsula, the township is rich in history, offering a snapshot of the region’s pioneering past, particularly at the Waiuku Museum where visitors can also wander around its collection of restored buildings dating back to the 1800s. Visitors might also enjoy booking a harbour trip on the historic Ratahi which sails out from Waiuku.

POLLOK ARTS AND CRAFTS CO-OPERATIVE:

For those driving and heading up the peninsula, it won’t take long to arrive at the Pollok Co-op gallery and shop which serves up a healthy dose of art from local creatives. You’ll see paintings, sculptures, glassware, ceramics, jewellery and more making the co-op an interesting pit stop. Be sure to pick up some locally made preserves, too!

A TIPPLE OR TWO:

Wine lovers may be surprised to find a couple of great little vineyards at Grahams Beach. In particular, Awhitu Wines is open for wine tastings in an idyllic outdoor setting and purchases can be made from the on-site store. Enjoy a leisurely hour here talking about this successful venture.

ACCOMMODATION:

Getting closer to the top of the peninsula you’ll find two great bays ideal for camping holidaymakers – the Big Bay Holiday Park and Orua Bay Beach Motor Camp are both available for those who wish to linger a little longer. There is bed & breakfast accommodation here and there and it is possible to rent Awhitu House (via Auckland City Council), within the Awhitu Regional Park, for a week or a weekend.

MANUKAU HEADS LIGHTHOUSE:

A must visit location! On a clear day, views from the lighthouse of a tranquil harbour are lovely, making it hard to imagine the sea being anything but still. However, history tells us that on February 7, 1863, the infamous tidal sandbar in the harbour sent the warship HMS Orpheus to the bottom and claimed 185 lives. Today, a replica of the first lighthouse stands vigil and provides a glimpse into the region’s past.

Orua Bay

BEACHES & BAYS:

It almost goes without saying that throughout the drive, from bottom to top, there are beautiful beaches and bays worth visiting. Check out Orua Bay, Big Bay, Wattle Bay and Grahams Beach, all great spots to take a dip and also featuring playgrounds, picnic areas and boat ramps with fishing a popular pastime. For those who love going off-road, make your way to Hamilton’s Gap on the western side where big sand dunes invite fun. Take your boogie board and see if you can walk up one for a neat ride down again! Fantastic views, too. There are public toilets and a grassed area where self-contained vans can park overnight.

Obviously, exploring Awhitu Peninsula is no half hour excursion – it takes time but that’s every reason to return more than once to this stunning part of Franklin and New Zealand.

YELLOW PREPAID RUBBISH BAGS

PREPAID

RUBBISH BAG PREPAID

RUBBISH BAG PREPAID

RUBBISH BAG

Look for the BRIGHT YELLOW 60 litre bags available from your local supermarket and selected stores.

Collected on your normal collection day unless otherwise advertised.

USE OUR BINS!

From home DIY to section clearing & commercial jobs, we have a bin to suit all your needs!

Available in 3m3, 6m3 and 9m3 sizes

To order a bin online visit

www.envirowaste.co.nz

Phone

0800 240 120 AND WE HAVE WHEELIE BINS TOO!

For a clean, efficient and cost effective way to dispose of general household waste, EnviroWaste wheelie bins are an ideal option!

Available in 80, 120 and 240 litre sizes CR0142

Andrew Bayly

MP for Port Waikato

Port Waikato Electorate Office 7 Wesley St, Pukekohe 09 238 5977 andrew@baylymp.co.nz AndrewBaylyMP

Constituent clinics held throughout the year - contact the electorate office for details

Authorised by Andrew Bayly, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

KAT7548

Property Law Specialists • Buying & Selling Property • Residential & Commercial Property Matters • Subdivisions • Leases & Tenancies • Financing & Refinancing • Powers of Attorney • Trusts Music and free play for Property Law Specialists • Company Formation • Wills Space for you and your baby• Buying & Selling PropertyProperty Law Specialists pre-schoolers and their caregivers • Weekly meetings sharing experiences and advice A programme for adults and children SEASONS FOR GROWTH • Residential & Commercial Property Matters • Subdivisions • Leases & Tenancies • Financing & Refinancing • Powers of Attorney • Trusts • Buying & Selling Property Residential & Commercial Property Matters • Subdivisions • Leases & Tenancies • Financing & Refinancing • Powers of Attorney • Trusts • Company Formation • Wills 20 Queen Street, Waiuku • P 09 236 5016 50 King Street, Pukekohe • P 09 283 8623 E office@conveyancingplus.co.nz www.conveyancingplus.co.nz Monday & Friday 9.15am during the school term Social morning and 14272 experiencing grief Weekly afternoon • Company Formation • Wills gentle exercise for the over 65’s. Lunch available 20 Queen Street, Waiuku • P 09 236 5016 50 King Street, Pukekohe • P 09 283 8623 E office@conveyancingplus.co.nz www.conveyancingplus.co.nz KAT7512 50 King St, Pukekohe • 26 Queen St, Waiuku • 20 Broadway, Papakura P 09 236 5016 E office@conveyancingplus.co.nz www.conveyancingplus.co.nz www.pukekohecommunityaction.co.nz Pukekohecommunityaction@xtra.co.nz Phone: 09 238 7228 • 0274 521 366 Tuesday’s. Sessions Tues and Thurs 9.15am activities during the school term 14272

Wealth of services

Generous public amenities have contributed to the growth of Franklin’s largest township, Pukekohe as well as to the wider district and its individual communities.

In recent years, Pukekohe, in particular, has seen more boutiques, more large chain stores and more cafes.

Professional services have expanded and whether new residents require a lawyer, doctor or accountant through to vets, bankers, real estate agents, travel consultants or other business services, they seldom need to look beyond this attractive and growing town.

Excellent health focus means all areas have general practitioners at their fingertips and there is a small satellite hospital at Pukekohe which has a birthing unit and an adult rehabilitation and care ward. It is open 24 hours.

Pukekohe Hospital provides services such as aged care, maternity, home health care, public health nurses and outpatient rehabilitation. It also hosts a mobile surgical unit every six weeks for minor surgery on referral. The hospital comes under the Counties Manukau DHB and a new private hospital is close to opening in the Manukau Road area. There is talk of a new public hospital at Drury in the future. Retirement homes and villages provide options for seniors.

Some inner city specialists hold clinics on a regular basis and medical advice is also readily available. The Maternity Resource Centre and The Centre for Independent Living provide support for pregnant mums and the elderly.

If the district has ample health and professional services, as well as access to council offices, then new residents will also discover plenty of added amenities such as pre-school care and education services, leisure activities, entertainment, libraries and more.

Pukekohe town boasts a boutique three cinema complex as well as a thriving art gallery.

Many small block holders, as well as serious farmers, live locally and there is a huge range of agricultural and horticultural services and machinery to support such lifestyles. For major events, there are A&P show grounds in Clevedon and in Pukekohe, the PIA Centre as well as equestrian and sporting facilities in other townships.

Importantly, no one has far to travel for community services designed to meet nearly every need.

Call Now 09 238 6900

technology solutions HavingaComputerproblem?

and your Mac too!

Our other services include: • Laptop Repairs • Mobile Phone Repairs • Tablet Repairs • Internet Cafe • VHS to DVD • Goldcard discount on labour

KAT7539

70 EDINBURGH STREET, PUKEKOHE

SERVICES Computer & IT Solutions for today and tomorrow

• Computer & IT Hardware, Software • Sales, Service & Consultancy • For Business & Home • PC, Mac, Server, Printer • Networking & Cloud Solutions • Onsite & Remote

Support • Workshop Repair

119 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe

09 238 2966 0800 TO ZOOM

www.zoomtechnologies.co.nz info@zoomtechnologies.co.nz

Call 0800 SOLICITOR

Buying, Selling, Buying, Selling, Subdividing or Building? Subdividing or You need a great legal team behind you! Building? Buying, Selling, CONVEYANCING | SUBDIVISIONS BUILDING CONTRACTS | COMMERCIAL LAWYERS Subdividing or

You need a great legal team behind you! Conveyancing Building Contracts Building? Property is the biggest investment most New Zealanders make in their lifetime. It also Get advice before putting pen to paper! We can understand that buying and selling property be stressful, so we make the process as smooth Our lawyers will review building contracts and explain the fine print and potential fish hooks to clients. We involves a high level of risk if things don’t go to plan and it’s therefore vital to get the as possible right from the start with approachable can also draft building contracts for companies and right legal advice before entering into a contract. Seeing a lawyer from the outset of a service and affordable fixed prices. assist with the negotiation of conditions. transaction can save a great deal of time, stress and considerable cost in the long run! need a great legal team behind you!

Subdivisions Mobile Legal Service

The Conveyancing Shop's experienced team are here to assist clients with simple subdivisions of residential properties as well as developers who are Our team go literally miles out of their way to accommodate our clients. We can visit you at your home or workplace during the weekends or LAWYERS | 2 King Street, Pukekohe | Phone 09 237 1008 Conveyancing involved in much larger scale projects. evenings! Building Contracts www.conveyancingshop.co.nz SC4070

Optimise oral health

In addition to keeping your teeth strong, proper dental hygiene habits can help you avoid a variety of health problems. Here are a few things you can do to improve your oral health. • Choose the right products Invest in a quality electric or manual toothbrush, as well as toothpaste, dental floss and interdental brushes. Opt for products that have been tested and approved by dental professionals or recommended by your dentist. • Use the proper techniques Brush teeth using a gentle circular motion rather than scrubbing back and forth. Similarly, carefully glide floss between your teeth to avoid damaging gums. Ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate these and other techniques to ensure you’re effectively cleaning your teeth. • Protect mouth from injury Many sports and other activities carry a high risk of trauma to the face. To avoid head and tooth injuries, it’s important to wear the right equipment, such as a helmet and custom mouthguard. • Visit your dentist regularly Tartar can only be removed with special tools, and your dentist is trained to spot early signs of decay and infection. Therefore, even if you take good care of your teeth, it’s essential to schedule a professional dental exam and cleaning at least once a year.

Keep in mind that a variety of lifestyle habits can also affect your oral health. Among other things, you should quit smoking, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet and avoid opening things with your teeth.

HOW TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY

Many people suffer from tooth decay at some point in their life. If you want to reduce your risk of developing a cavity, follow this simple advice. • Clean teeth properly It’s no secret that brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once is the best way to prevent cavities. However, to ensure your cleaning routine is effective, you need to brush your teeth for at least two minutes. You should also avoid rinsing your mouth afterward, as this washes away the protective fluoride left by the toothpaste.

Additionally, rather than brush your teeth immediately after a meal, it’s best to wait about 30 minutes. This delay ensures your saliva washes away the residue of acidic foods, which can weaken tooth enamel and make it more susceptible to damage from brushing.

If you don’t have a chance to brush your teeth after eating, chew some sugar-free gum. This will stimulate the production of saliva, thereby helping to clean your teeth. • Be careful about what you eat Food and drinks high in sugar or acids should be consumed in moderation, as they wear out the protective layer of enamel on teeth. If you want to indulge, it’s better to do so during a meal rather than while snacking because there will be more saliva in your mouth to wash away the sugar and acid. You should also drink plenty of water. • Look for warning signs Examine your teeth on a regular basis for signs of decay. If you notice any black or brown holes or stains, seek treatment before things get worse. You should also schedule a consultation with your dentist if you experience persistent toothaches or sensitivity. Finally, be sure to book a dental cleaning and exam at least once a year. This will allow your dentist to remove tartar and check to make sure your teeth are healthy.

Eye health

We all know the importance of regular eye testing, especially if there is a family history of poor eyesight or eye disease. In the industrial workplace, eyes at risk can be protected by wearing safety glasses and, remember, driving is impossible if eyesight fails. Holding a driver’s licence is dependent on good vision and motorists are advised to have an eyesight test every two years.

Failing eyesight or other severe eyesight problems may be prevented or rectified by consulting an optometrist regularly. While biennial eye testing is recommended, there are times when more frequent testing may be required.

These include during a child’s growing years when the eye is also growing; in middle life when the focusing system begins to weaken; and in later years when eye health problems begin to occur such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Regular eye checks can help preserve eyesight but injuries can still occur. The eye is extremely sensitive and it is easy to aggravate an injury. In almost every instance, proper medical aid is advised.

Ground Floor Waiuku Health Plus 30 Constable Rd, Waiuku www.waiukudentalcentre.com

Having trouble with your arthritic hips or knees?

Mr Gary French, Ormiston Orthopaedics, is now an Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society. If you are a Southern Cross member and you need surgery for a hip or knee replacement, there are significant advantages for you:

• You will get clear prices upfront • We will organise prior approval through Southern Cross for you • We will manage your claim for you • If you are on a shared cover plan we can let you know, before surgery, what your share of the costs will be

Ormiston Orthopaedics is located in the new purpose-built Ormiston Hospital, Level 1 (inside TRG), 125 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction. It is easily accessible for those in greater Auckland, with free parking available.

To compare our prices or arrange an appointment phone 09 252 0370 or visit:

www.ormistonortho.co.nz

Terms and conditions For Primary Total Hip Joint Replacement and apply Primary Total Knee Joint Replacement For Primary Total Hip Joint Replacement and Primary Total Knee Joint Replacement

Skin checks essential

With our many beautiful beaches and the spectacular Hauraki Gulf on the doorstep, it’s not surprising that much of the Franklin Auckland population enjoys watersports and outdoor activities.

In summer, the beaches are crowded and even in winter, they are home to those who love to walk the shoreline. New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma death rates in the world. More than 2000 people are diagnosed annually with the disease and about 200 die from melanoma every year.

Malignant melanoma is potentially fatal but early detection can avoid tragic outcomes with surgical removal of lesions being both simple and, in most cases, curative. Everyone needs to “cover up”.

Whether lying on the beach, gardening or painting the roof, use sun blocks, wear hats and reduce the time bare skin is exposed to the sun.

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Consulting in Auckland, Pukekohe, Tauranga and New Plymouth

AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

REMUERA

Tristan de Chalain Ltd Level 2, OneHealth Building 122 Remuera Road, Auckland Tel: 09 522 0652

PUKEKOHE

Tristan de Chalain Ltd 10 West Street Pukekohe Tel: 09 522 0652

TAURANGA

Tristan de Chalain Ltd Suite 9, Promed House 71 Tenth Ave, Tauranga South Tel: 09 522 0652

NEW PLYMOUTH

Tristan de Chalain Ltd Care First Building 99 Tukapa Street, New Plymouth Tel: 027 431 5152

Visit www.plassurg.co.nz or email reception@plassurg.co.nz

Totalwellbeing

You’ll find an abundance of health and beauty treatment opportunities in Franklin.

Whether it’s a special occasion or simply general upkeep, local residents will find the district offers beauty and massage therapists, hairdressers, nail technicians and various health practitioners, including acupuncturists.

Whether you’re looking for a deep cleansing facial, Thai herbal massage, traditional Chinese medicine or an express pedicure, there is no end of clinics, studios or salons to choose from.

Natural health therapists offer many forms of relief from various problems and conditions, aiming to give their clients relief from distressing conditions.

For some, a spa treatment, inner cleaning, hair appointment, skin rejuvenation or massage is a regular ritual not to be missed.

Explore your local area and discover a wealth of professionals ready to help you look and feel your best.

Ginger Mane hairdressing services have more than 30 years experience in all aspects of hairdressing. Check out our website for the full salon menu www.gingermane.co.nz Plenty of parking behind the salon. Located in the old Buckland store, 573 Buckland Road, Pukekohe Phone 09 238 2239

KAT6497

BODY LIQUEUR

Ph: 09 239 3110

Shop 1, 6 Roulston Lane, Pukekohe www.bodyliqueur.co.nz

KAT7555 JU2049

Shop 2/23 Hall St, Pukekohe | 09 238 7576 www.alberts.co.nz | info@alberts.co.nz

At Alberts we want your hair to shine but we also care about the environment so we consciously select products without harmful ingredients to create beautiful, wearable, memorable hair for every client, while respecting and preserving the planet.

Replacing missing teeth

Most people want pearly white teeth which do the job required of them and provide a great smile. However, tooth loss by accident or otherwise, can mean the loss of a confident smile and result in various problems.

However, should you lose one or all of your natural teeth (for whatever reason) don’t panic – modern day dentures and implants can restore that smile and prevent other problems which may occur when teeth are lost or removed and the gap not filled.

Teeth have an important job to do; they enable us to chew, they make it easier to digest food and in turn enable people to receive the most nutrition out of foods they eat. Teeth also aid in the pronunciation of words and make it easier to speak.

Although missing teeth can impact on appearance, worse things can happen if they are not replaced. Malocclusion describes a number of conditions which affect the alignment of teeth or bite. One type of malocclusion can occur when missing teeth aren’t replaced.

The teeth next to the space left by an extracted or missing tooth can move toward each other and try to fill the space; this may result in a partial gap and crooked teeth, which are difficult to clean and maintain. This shift in the alignment of teeth may also impact on bite and the way food is chewed.

Besides the possibility of having overgrown or crooked teeth, one is at risk of bone resorption or bone loss.

Without teeth to support that area of the mouth, gums and jawbone begin to deteriorate and the bone loss will cause cheeks and lips to look sunken, instantly ageing you.

But, the good news is, there are options for tooth replacements and the type of replacement will depend on the severity of your case, how many teeth need to be replaced and the cost.

Tooth replacement options include dental implants, dental bridges and partial or full dentures. What’s more, there are many different types of partial dentures. There are acrylic dentures, flexible dentures and also vitallium (chrome cobalt) dentures.

So, if you lose a tooth (or several teeth), it really is advisable to invest in your dental health by opting for replacements – consult your dentist and he/she will advise the best option for you.

The Denture and Denture Implant Clinics

• Full Dentures • Acrylic Dentures • Metal Dentures • Flexible Dentures • Denture Relines • Denture Repairs • Mouth Guards

We make it... we fit it... we fix it...

Full dental laboratory services with no dentist

appointments or referrals required!

11 West St, Pukekohe. 09 238 0095 1B Broadway, Papakura. 09 296 1219 3/208 Gt Sth Rd, Papatoetoe. 09 277 2233 Email alldentures@yahoo.co.nz www.alldentures.co.nz

Pre-school

Education is one thing new Franklin families don’t have to worry about. The district is well catered for everything – childcare and pre-school facilities through to secondary college, as well as extracurricular activities and tuition.

When it comes to pre-school care, parents can be confident they will find something to suit their personal needs.

In addition to playcentres and kindergartens, there are numerous childcare centres which offer all day care for children from working families. Some of these cater for very young babies and some may take primary aged children after school has finished.

Centres adhere to strict regulations and offer proper sleeping arrangements for young infants. Some provide hot meals during the day and most have excellent indoor/ outdoor facilities.

All employ trained staff and work to government guidelines when it comes to teacher/ child ratios, social programmes and developmental skills.

Newcomers to Franklin can be confident about local schools too. The wider area is well endowed with quality primary and secondary schools. Furthermore, most rural district schools also offer calf club and country days as part of annual programmes. While most secondary schools and many primary schools are subject to zoning, it is possible in some cases for out of zone pupils to be placed in a school of choice if there are unfilled places. Some have no zoning restrictions. Most local schools have an open door policy when it comes to community interest and parental enquiries are welcomed. When seeking an appropriate school enquire about special programmes such as music, drama, catering, science, environmental sustainability and sports programmes. As well as state and private education facilities, there are hobby classes and special interest groups with tuition available. Yes, Franklin offers all ages many satisfying ways of learning in a structured or informal environment.

to high-school

Providing the high quality, home based, early childhood education you want for your child

CURIOUS?

Pop in any time Open 7.15am - 6pm

• Low adult/child ratio promotes full participation and close relationships • Qualified, registered educational team leaders work alongside trained home based educators to offer quality training, professional support and quality resources • ‘Readiness for school’ programme for older children • WINZ childcare subsidy, Ministry of

Education 20 hours ECE programme

Ph 09 360 7514 www.amandas.org.nz

MP3622

At Chasing Joy we value curiosity and offer your little ones a rich curriculum with excellent teacher ratios. Our onsite chef creates exciting and nutritional whole food meals everyday. We are proudly owned by a local farming family. So if you are curious to see if Chasing Joy is right for you, come in and see us for a visit anytime. You ' re always welcome.

Find us at: 49 Mahutonga Avenue Beachlands Get in touch: 0272708588 email: maya@chasingjoy.co.nz www.chasingjoy.co.nz

Small, cosy centre for mixed ages (0-6 years) situated in the heart of Pukekohe

ECE 30 hours available for 2-6 year olds WINZ subsidies available for all qualifying families Opening Hours 7.00am-6.00pm

29 Queen Street, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 1795 pukekohe@blossomseducare.co.nz www.blossoms.co.nz

Pukekohe Christian School

The doors of Pukekohe Christian School are always open to visitors. If you are interested in finding out more about our school, please telephone and make an appointment. You will find a warm welcome and the opportunity to view the school “in action” visiting classrooms with happy, challenged and focused students, learning the Cambridge Curriculum from a Christian perspective.

Years 1 – 13 82 Yates Road, Pukekohe / Ph 09 238 6449 admin@pcschool.co.nz / www.pcschool.co.nz

CHILDCARE & EDUCATION School terms

PRIMARY, INTERMEDIATE & SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2021

Term One: Monday, Feb 1 (earliest) – Tuesday, Feb 9 (latest) – Friday, April 16 Term Two: Monday, May 3 – Friday, July 9 Term Three: Monday, July 26 – Friday, October 1 Term Four: Monday, October 18 – no later than Monday, December 20* Term One 2022: Monday, Jan 31 (earliest) – Tuesday, Feb 8 (latest) – Friday, April 16

*Or to a day in December that ensures that the school has been open for instruction for a minimum of 380 half-days in 2021.

Quality before, after school care and holiday programmes

Creating long lasting relationships with Franklin families since 1998

Catering for school aged children between 5-13 years of age. A variety of arts and crafts, science experiments, cooking, games, sports and fun activities are scheduled daily. An activity drop off service is available in some of our programmes so your child doesn’t miss out. ENROL NOW Call 09 236 4078 www.kidsafterschool.co.nz

MSD Social Sector Level 3 Accreditation WINZ subsidies available for eligible families

More schools on the blackboard!

As Franklin district continues to grow several new schools are either under construction mode or on the drawing board. The new Pukekohe West, Tamaoho Primary School, in the Belmont estate opened in term one of 2021 and includes satellite unit teaching spaces for BLENNZ (Blind & Low Vision Education Network NZ) and Parkside School. A Sensory Resource Centre for Resource Teachers of Vision is also part of the new school.

Pukekohe’s population is expected to double from 21,000 people to more than 40,000 people by 2040 and this school plus others will cater for education needs. It was envisaged that the Pukekohe West Tamaoho School would open with a roll of 350 students. It is a contributing Year 1-6 school with room to expand in the future.

A few kilometres away, Paerata Primary School has been relocated to a brand new $20 million facility in Paerata Rise which opened in Term 2, 2021.

Plans to build a new Wesley College have been in the pipeline for several years but it is likely to be some five more years before relocation and building of the new college (presently adjacent to the Paerata Rise housing estate) gets underway.

The rapidly growing residential area of Drury in south Auckland, namely the Auranga Estate, is another district set to gain a new primary school by 2022. A site in Burberry Road has been acquired for the new Drury West School which will include a satellite unit teaching space for Pukekohe’s Parkside School.

More schools are planned, but the Ministry of Education has advised that timing and location of the schools will be dependent on the speed and uptake of the residential developments. However, it is anticipated more student capacity will be needed across all year levels in Drury.

At Hingaia Peninsula Primary School, work is progressing to the next stage of its build to increase its capacity for future growth while Hingaia South is a new school on the drawing board with the expectation that it will open in 2022.

The Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins has also given approval for the establishment of a new Catholic co-educational secondary school, St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College at Burtt Road, Drury.

The school is planned to open in 2023 with a maximum roll of 340 students. It is expected to reach 900 students by 2027.

In central Pukekohe, Pukekohe High School will be master planned for a roll of 2700 to accommodate longer term growth across Pukekohe.

It is likely a new secondary school will be needed at Drury but the timing will be dependent on the speed and extent of residential growth.