Our School

Riverina School History

Riverina School has been part of the Pakuranga community for 65 years, opening its doors in February 1961. At the time, Pakuranga was a very different place from the community we know today. There were far fewer schools in the area, and before the 1960s many local children had to travel to the old Howick School to receive their education.

The opening of Riverina School was an important milestone for the growing Pakuranga community, providing local families with a school of their own. Over the decades, Riverina has grown alongside the community, welcoming generations of children through its gates.

From its beginnings in 1961, Riverina has continued to develop and change. Classrooms, learning spaces and facilities have evolved as the needs of students have changed, while the school's spacious grounds have remained an important part of everyday life.

Today, Riverina is a Years 1–6, co-educational state primary school. The school is still proud of its smaller-school feel, where children are known, supported and encouraged to take part in all aspects of school life.

Throughout its history, Riverina has been a place where children have learned, played, made friendships and discovered their talents.

The school has developed a proud history across sport, academics, culture and the arts. Generations of students have passed through Riverina, with many going on to achieve great things in their communities and beyond.

The school has also continued to provide opportunities beyond the classroom, with facilities including a library, hall, music room, swimming pool, extensive playing fields and adventure playgrounds.

For many former students, some of their strongest memories of Riverina are not only from inside the classroom, but from the playgrounds, fields and shared spaces around the school.

In 2018, Riverina celebrated the opening and blessing of a new playground. The playground was supported by community organisations and charities and was dedicated to the memory of Kaumatua Koro Percy. It became another special part of the school's story and a place where a new generation of Riverina students could play and create their own memories.

Riverina's history is really a history of its people — the children, teachers, support staff, families, whānau and community members who have helped shape the school over the years.

The school has changed considerably since 1961, but the importance of relationships and community has remained at its heart.

Today, Riverina continues to welcome families from across the local community. In 2026, the school has a roll of around 130 students, making it a smaller primary school where there is a strong focus on knowing every child and giving every student opportunities to succeed.

From 1961 to 2026, Riverina has been part of thousands of children's lives.

The buildings may have changed.
The classrooms may have changed.
The technology children use to learn has certainly changed!

But some things have stayed the same - children learning together, teachers supporting them, families being part of the journey and a community coming together to make Riverina a special place.

As Riverina celebrates 65 years, we can look back with pride at everything that has come before and look forward with excitement to everything still to come.

Pakuranga Story 

Long before Pakuranga became the busy suburb we know today, the area was home to Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. The Tāmaki River was an important pathway, while Ōhuiarangi (Pigeon Mountain) was an important Māori settlement and pā.

For many years, Pakuranga was mostly farmland and open paddocks. Farmers grew crops and raised animals, and the area became known as “the granary of Auckland.”

After the Second World War, Pakuranga began to change. During the 1950s and 1960s, new houses, roads, shops and schools were built as more families moved into the area.

It was during this time that Riverina School opened in February 1961, becoming an important part of the growing Pakuranga community.

Over the past 65 years, Riverina has welcomed generations of children through its gates. While Pakuranga has grown from farmland into the thriving community it is today, Riverina has continued to be a place where children learn, grow, make friendships and create memories.

From paddocks to playgrounds, Pakuranga has a rich history  and Riverina is proud to be part of its story.