The name Oropi has an interesting derivation, taken from the days when a garrison of Imperial Forces had been based at Oropi, during the Battle of Gate Pa.

They withdrew in 1867 but the Armed Constabulary remained to clear a strip of bush, from Tauranga to Rotorua for the new road.

Oropi was the equivalent of Europe to the Maori of that time. During this time there was a hotel on the site of the school’s present tennis court, which burnt down in 1883.

Oropi School was opened in 1899 in a house that was then owned by Mr F B Kensington. This was a small cottage that was demolished in 1973. The school was closed in 1902 when the house was reoccupied. In July 1905, a small school was opened at Tururu, or Gluepot, as it is now known. At that time the bulk of the Oropi population lived there. Later in 1905 a hall was built over the gorge at Oropi and school was held there for 3 days a week and at Tururu for 2 days.

Otanewainuku Mountain in the background

Planting of our centennial Kauri Tree generously donated by Naturally Native in 1999

It was at this stage that the Gamman Mill started to be built and the population gradually began to move to the Oropi side of the gorge. Not long after, Tururu school became too small and was closed. School was now held full-time in the Oropi Hall. School continued to be held in the Hall until 1934, when a two-roomed school building was built on the present site.

In about 1950 the school became a three teacher school, then it became a four teacher school. The roll fluctuated with a 5th permanent teacher being appointed in 1992.

In December of 1996 we acquired a new Adventure Playground, which is proving to be a success with our children. A new administration wing and car park was completed in January 1997, all welcome additions to enhance our great school. Remodelling of Oropi School was carried out in 1989 with a further upgrade in 2000/2001. Our school is always supportive to College of Education students with our staff availing themselves as Associate Teachers.

Due to roll growth in Mid Term 3, we received another classroom. Our 7th class teacher (long term reliever) commenced work in Room 4 on 7 September 1998. As well as 7 full time teachers, we have 1 Reading Recovery teacher, a school secretary, teacher aide and a caretaker.

The character of the area has changed over the years from being a predominantly milling, dairying area, with the second and third generation families, to a horticultural district and people from, in many cases, non-rural background settling in the area. Many families have small life style blocks with one or both parents working in Tauranga City, commuting daily. On Labour Weekend of 1999 our school/community celebrated 100 years of schooling, a unique occasion.

To read more about some of the history of our area contact

Jim Pendergrast

Mountain Rd Oropi RD3 Tauranga

Ph 573 8711