Our Mission
Pukehou School aims to provide an environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and wonder in our lifelong learners.
To help students reach their full potential, Pukehou School will:
- Provide an excellent education in a happy and stimulating learning environment.
- Encourage kindness, integrity and respect of individual and community values.
- Develop active, healthy children and give them freedom to explore.
- Care for our environment.
Who We Are
Pukehou School is a tranquil rural school situated on State Highway 2, fifteen minutes south of Hastings and fifteen minutes north of Waipukurau. With approximately 50 pupils ranging in age from 5 to 13 years, and with such good accessible routes, Pukehou is an attractive place for your child’s education in Central Hawke’s Bay.
Pukehou School is proud to be an Enviroschool.
The school is headed up by School Principal Rob Pratt with Deputy Principal Rachael Strong accompanied by Fleur McDowell, two Teacher Aides and an office administrator.
Now that the prints have been ordered and the artwork has been delivered, we'd like to say one final thank you to everyone who supported our ART ASSEMBLY exhibition.
A special thank you to our wonderful sponsors, LMS Insure & Invest and Vet Services
Central Natives kindly provided beautiful plants, and the @CHB Museum and Otane Arts and Crafts Corner helped with easels and display boards.
Your generous support helped make this exhibition possible, and we're lucky to have such fantastic local businesses and groups backing our Pukehou School community.
LMS Insure & Invest Vet Services Waipukurau 🙂
At the end of the term, we celebrated Matariki with activities and games. Students created a constellation viewer, wove stars, and made (and ate!!) kumara and corn fritters. Proud of the way our tamariki showed Tuakana-teina, working together on each task, with our seniors supporting the younger students.
Thanks to some generous support from Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, who have been working in school with the Mana Ake programme, we welcomed Cat and Willy into school as part of the 'Think and Be Me' programme.
There were some clear, simple messages about how to manage our 'worries', and Cat and Willy (and their friends Worry Watchdog, Angry Dragon, and Cool Cat) were amazing...we were all engaged!!
Some of our students supported the show, with Leo, Sebastien, and Ditmar shining. Ditmar's performance as the mother was perfect 😁
Teachers received a whole lot of resources to use in class, including three very cool puppets!!
www.thinkandbe.me/?srsltid=AfmBOopDqpezUZUwROQ-NET47mmrT663LYwpitEOhhkhaj3HCSBRk-ZJ
What a wonderful night!
Thank you to everyone who came through for the Art Assembly opening, and for supporting Pukehou School.
The hall was buzzing, the mulled wine and conversation was flowing, and those red stickers were going up thick and fast. What a community.
The whole process has been an incredible learning experience for our tamariki - from exploring different artists and artistic styles, experimenting with a range of mediums and creating their own unique works, to seeing their art professionally displayed and the excitement of spotting a red dot next to their name. It has been wonderful to watch their creativity grow!
A huge thank you to all our incredible artists. Your work made the room. We're so proud to have your pieces on these walls.
We're open again this Sunday, 12 to 4pm at Pukehou School Hall. Koha entry. Last chance to snap up some local art!
Come back for that piece you haven't been able to stop thinking about, or message us if something caught your eye and you'd like to sort it out ahead of time.
Raffle tickets are still available for the stunning piece by Chris Birch.
See you on Sunday 14th June, 12 to 4pm.
Fantastic evening, great to be involved!
Our new hall is looking AMAZING and we can’t wait to welcome all our ticket holders tonight!
Earlier today, our students had the chance to tour the exhibition and see their own work displayed alongside that of our invited artists—an inspiring experience!
With fewer than 10 tickets remaining, now is your last chance to join us for a wonderful evening celebrating art, creativity, and community.
On the night:
• Incredible artwork for sale from our talented exhibiting artists
• Raffle tickets available for an incredible artwork by Chris Birch
• Amazing photography spot prize
• A complimentary glass of mulled wine
• Delicious nibbles
We’re looking forward to a fantastic evening and hope to see you there!
… And if you can’t make it tonight, the Exhibition will be open Sunday 14th June, from 12–4pm with koha entry
If you are seeing this, it’s a sign!
Just a few days to go and our line up of artists is looking fantastic. Check our event page for Artist Spotlights, prizes and a little giveaway.
www.facebook.com/share/1BmDZRQ1N9/
Limited tickets available so don’t miss out!
www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/art-assembly/central-hawkes-bay
SPOT PRIZE & Artist Spotlight - Neil Foxcroft Photography
We’re thrilled that photographer Neil Foxcroft has generously donated a $200 photography voucher to be won on the evening.
Whether you’ve been meaning to organise family photos, celebrate a milestone, or simply create some beautiful new memories, it’s a fantastic prize.
We’re also delighted to have Neil exhibiting his work as part of Art Assembly.
“Someone once told me that we do not see the world as it is, but rather as we are. Through photography, I aim to present moments, people and places as I see them, capturing the beauty, personality and life within.
I am a self-taught photographer, inspired by the passion and expertise of my sister, a professional photographer based in Wellington. I bring a unique style to my imagery that reflects my desire to connect photographs with a message or emotion. To truly value an image, I believe there needs to be a connection to something within us.”
The photography voucher will be drawn on the night, so make sure you buy a ticket for the evening and you will automatically go into the draw for the chance to take home this generous prize.
Check out our Art Assembly event page on FB for more artist spotlights www.facebook.com/share/1JohTYPxMj/
neilfoxcroftphotog.wixsite.com/website
www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/art-assembly/central-hawkes-bay
We had a great day in Palmy at NYLD 2026 – an inspiring trip for our young leaders!
A varied and motivational line-up spoke about how they had faced fear and taken one step forward anyway.
The amazing speakers included Graci Kim, Diplomat turned award winning author; Riley Elliott - The Shark Man; NZ adventurer William Pike; youth advocate Lola Fisher and Stephen Gallagher, an Emmy award wining film composer.
The theme for National Young Leaders Day 2026 wasn’t about being fearless – it was about leaning in, giving it a go and being brave.
Thanks NYLD for organising such a great event!
Thank you Rob and Pixie for taking the kids, sounds like they had an amazing time 🥰
Join us for a welcome drink, nibbles, beautiful artwork, and an evening celebrating our creative community: Thursday 11th June, from 6–9pm.
Tickets available here, bring a friend and have a lovely evening out.
www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/art-assembly/central-hawkes-bay
We are so excited to celebrate our shiny newly refurbished hall with ART ASSEMBLY
Join us for a fun evening celebrating local creativity featuring original artworks, prints and photography from well known Hawke's Bay artisits - and showcasing our talented young creatives here at Pukehou School.
We know that the kids have been working really hard with the team at School creating their masterpieces and are excited to be exhibiting their work for you.
Bring a friend, support the school and have a lovely evening out!
Tickets available from Eventfinda www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/art-assembly/central-hawkes-bay
Updates and artist profiles on the FB event page Art Assembly | An evening exhibition of original art
Last Thursday, we had a meke day at Pukehou Marae. Our students loved being there again, reconnecting. We're hugely thankful for the opportunity and privilege.
Students participated in activities, tākaro - kēmu (games), and sang waiata. We tested ourselves with rakau, manu tī, knucklebones, and art.
At the end of the day, we came away feeling replete, our wairua enhanced. Thanks to Mrs. Strong for all her mahi organising the day.
Woohoo! Our school phone is working again. Thanks for your patience & thanks to Eastek and Reuben from Glow Networks 👌
The end of an era has come. Our old Administration Block won't be here when children return to school next week! Demolition has occurred over the break, and we will begin moving into the new space in the remodelled hall on Monday, which is exciting!! There will be a formal opening later in the term when all the work is complete. Stay tuned.
I will miss that little building. So many laughs had around that staff table.
Wow! Going to look so different!! And yes it’s been such a long time coming!!
A long time coming. The new spaces will be great!
Wow!!! End of an era!
On the last day of the term, we had our annual Great Pukehou Easter Egg Hunt! This year, the amazing Jacqui Gilbertson created beautifully decorated Easter Egg stones, which each child got to keep along with a chocolate treat!
The Easter Bunny again made it challenging to find each egg, and I'm sure we will still be finding hidden eggs in the weeks to come!
It was a fantastic way to end the term and celebrate Easter.
So fun, and love Jacqui’s painted stones!
That tradition has been going a long time!! Great to see it's still going!!!
Huge congratulations to our amazing Pukehou swim team! At the Hawke’s Bay Year 7/8 Swim Champs in Hastings, this team shone 🌟
🌟3rd overall in the Year 7 group
🌟4th in the Year 8 relay
🌟 Maja won gold in the 50m and 25m breaststroke
🌟 Kayla won gold in the 25m backstroke and 25m freestyle
What a fantastic way to wrap up the season!
Amazing achievements girls! 🧜♀️🩷
These Pukehou School Superheroes were recognised for their exemplary display of our values over the term, sharing some Sushi for lunch, heroically finishing it in record time!!
I asked ChatGBT to depict them as Superheroes...can you recognise them?
A celebratory morning tea with our Cultural, Sport, and Enviro student leaders this morning. We're looking forward to working with you this year!!
On Friday, a small crew of intrepid students journeyed to Peka Peka Wetlands to harvest seeds from the native plants growing there. With fantastic support from Helen and Sarah from Enviroschools, and Pixie from Tukituki Landcare, we filled our kete with kākaon (seeds), learning as we did.
Once back at school, we separated the different types before potting them and placing them in our shade table. Eventually, these will be planted in and around our community, which is fantastic.
There were many highlights, and I was impressed with the way our team worked together. When asked what is the most important thing we can do to make sure our seeds grow, one of our tamariki answered, "Sing to them!" So, a waiata was sung 🙂
Nice work Pukehou School #enviroschools
Tukituki Land Care An awesome morning with an awesome bunch of kids! Thanks #enviroschools
It was a fantastic, warm day at Gum Tree Park with our Year 7-8s as they tackled another William Pike Challenge Outdoor Activity. We again joined up with Omakere and Elsthorpe, which was a load of fun. Those who were a wee but nervous quickly developed in confidence and skill.
As always, thanks to Marian and the CHB WPC Trust for your mahi. I'd also like to thank our parent crew of Ben, Franek, Laura, Pixie, and Liz. It was great to have your support out on the trails. Also, a big thanks to Blue Light for the use of their Mountain Bikes.
Gum Tree Park is a great resource, and it was awesome to see our kids enjoying it! Support it and the Tuki Tuki Trail if you can.
Looks like a fun day for everyone.
Thanks, Sports Hawkes Bay for a fantastic morning training our PALs (Physical Activity Leaders). CHB College students helped facilitate the activities, doing an amazing job.
The team of Kayla, Kaoru, Cleodie, Cara, Maja, Camille, and Leo had a blast learning leadership and team-work skills. It was great to see them interacting with students from other schools, making new friends along the way. They shone and were great ambassadors for Pukehou, and I'm confident they will be meke PALs this year.
A few snaps from today's Junior Gatsby at the Napier Soundshell with more to follow later. A huge thanks to the Napier Art Deco Trust for providing the opportunity. Our tamariki loved the day, dressing up and soaking up the experience and the atmosphere. A big thanks to our whānau volunteers, Sarah, Zane, Tam, and Karen.
Also, thank you to our families for the delicious plates which we shared at our picnic. It was a feast!!
Super proud of Marnix, who has been rehearsing hard out in preparation for Waipawa Musical & Dramatic Club's latest production, "The Stages of Life."
Follow the link to purchase tickets.
www.facebook.com/share/p/1877yU7X9Q/
Thrilled for you Marnix! I look forward to seeing you in the spotlight once more 👏🏼
So wonderful to hear xx
Go Marnix. 😀
Awesome day yesterday. We teamed up Omakere, Elsthorpe, and Norsewood schools for our first William Pike Challenge outdoor activity. It was a great mix. Students explored A'Deanes Bush, built bivouacs, cooked burgers, burnt marshmallows, and learnt some river crossing skills frolicking in the Tukipo River. Lots of fun was had and it was great to mix with other senior students, making new friends along the way.
A huge thanks to Marian Campbell, Jane, and the CHB Trust for supporting this initiative again, along with Liz for volunteering to assist. We appreciate your support.
Great pics. Was a fun interesting day. Awesome bunch of youngsters
Science in the playground!! Some Living World, harvesting and tasting sunflower seeds, followed by hands-on physics!! Our PMs (Playground Monitors), Leo and Sebastien, were on duty and doing a great job of encouraging play.
With all the hot weather of late, I thought I'd share a few snaps from the hijinks we got up to in the last week of the term. Lots of fun with a massive water fight, our water slide, and a splash in the pool!! It was a great way to finish the year!!
That's awesome , just love it, using the items around school to make a fun day outside. No expensive outlay. Perfect 🥰 hopefully kids took the idea home to see how they can expand it more once back at school.
Wow! Work is progressing on our Hall and Admin building project. Sad, but necessary, to see our large trees go. Once completed, there will be public access from the front, and there will be toilet facilities in the hall, which will allow for improved access for the community.
It’s going to look so different!
Final Golden Ticket draw for 2025, and congratulations to Zoe and Cleodie whose names were drawn for the hat!! They were recognised for showing our values, with both showing Tangata Whenuatanga - Citizenship.
Safe & Happy Holidays everyone!
Demolition of part of the hall is in full swing, and the kids are loving watching!
Yay… how long has it taken to get that across the line!
Exciting 😁 what are you up to?
Cookbooks and lilies will be available for purchase at Prizegiving and from the Office until midday on Wednesday. Get in touch with Jacqui if you would like any put aside 🌸🌼🌸
All lillies are now sold! Enjoy the beautiful flowers as they bloom! 🌸🌸
Thanks Tukituki Land Care and the Papanui sub catchment for making this happen and getting our tamariki involved! Great to see our shade houses stocked with lovely little native seedlings 🌱
Thanks #centralines for supporting road safety in CHB. Our Bus Monitors had a fantastic day at Splash Planet yesterday!!
What a fun Wednesday!! ☀️
While our 10 bus monitors had their end of year celebration at Splash Planet, the rest of Kahū class were industrious with Mrs Strong - doing robotics, weaving and arts! (And fit in a few swims in the school pool too!!)
Shout out to our Kahu Warriors Miniball team.
Finishing 5th out of the Year 7/8 grade, Emmett, Archer, George, Lucca, Jaxon, Alex and Camille consistently displayed team work, made great shots and had heaps of fun each week.
Congratulations Lucca for being our top goal scorer for the season!!!
✨ Pukehou After School Care ✨
Enrolment forms available from the School office next week.
#afterschoolcarechb
Pukehou Whanau and Friends (PWF)
Pukehou Whanau and Friends (PWF) encompass all school families, teachers & staff of Pukehou School and people of the Pukehou community that want to contribute to the welfare of Pukehou School.
