Draft:Onehunga Primary School
| Onehunga Primary School | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Onehunga Primary School with belfry visible | |
| Former names | Onehunga District High School |
| Alternative names | Onehunga Community House |
| General information | |
| Type | School building |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne revival |
| Address | 83-89 Selwyn Street, Onehunga |
| Town or city | Auckland |
| Year(s) built | 1901 |
| Opened | 20 November 1901 |
| Renovated | 2005–2006 (exterior) 2007–2014 (interior) |
| Cost | £2,374 and £60 for the belfry |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Mitchell and Watt |
| Main contractor | G.M. Handcock |
| Known for | Former school and local landmark |
| Website | |
| https://www.ochouse.co.nz/ | |
| Designated | 12 December 1993 |
| Reference no. | 7109 |
Onehunga Primary School is a historic former school located in Onehunga registered as a category 1 building. Constructed in 1901 as a district school before becoming a district high school, it later served as a primary school until the school moved to a new site in 1982. Initially planned to be demolished the local community had the building saved and it has become a community centre.
Description
[edit]The Onehunga Primary School is a notable example of the Queen Anne style being used in New Zealand for an educational building.[1]
The building had 7 classrooms, arranged symmetrically, a head master's room, and a teacher's room. One classroom doubled as a hall and featured the roll of honour. The building made use of an innovative techniques for ventilation and heating such as large windows, holes in the eaves for ventilation, and stoves and roof ventilation in the classrooms. Each classroom had it's own entrance. Rooms were painted differently based on whether they were warm or cold. The hallways had washbasins for the students.[1]
History
[edit]The first school in Onehunga was an Anglican school established in 1847. Further church and private schools were established over the years.[1]
In 1873 the first public school—the Onehunga District School— opened in Onehunga and by 1876 this had moved to Selwyn Street. Following the growth of both Onehunga and education in New Zealand the school expanded and in 1899 added an infant block. The Auckland Education Board decided to construct a senior block on the most northern part of the site.[1]
The Auckland Education Board architects designed a Queen Anne style building. The building was constructed in 1901 by G.M. Handcock for a price of £2,374 with a cost of £60 for the belfry.[1]
The school was opened officially on 20 November 1901. It taught up to standard seven. Previously local kids had to travel to expensive schools in nearby Auckland for further secondary education. Following the Liberal Government's reforms in 1900 that reduced the cost of secondary education there was a push to establish a secondary school in Onehunga. In July 1903, the Onehunga District High School was opened. This became the largest high school in Auckland Province with some students travelling as far as Point Chevalier and Pukekohe.[1]
Significance
[edit]Following completion the Onehunga Primary School was visible as a landmark from all parts of Onehunga.[1]
The Heritage New Zealand report states: 'The striking applied timbering and detailed bracket ornamentation on the main façade and belfry evoked civic pride in the institution and demonstrated the importance given to education by both the government and the local community.'[1]