Ongaonga School

Kia ora koutou!

A very warm welcome to Ongaonga School. We are absolutely delighted you’re here to discover what makes our school community so special.

At Ongaonga, we believe that school should be a place where children truly thrive. Nestled in the heart of Central Hawke's Bay, we take immense pride in creating a vibrant, supportive environment where every single child is given the opportunity to shine.

Learning here is a team effort. Our core values—Teamwork, Respect, Effort, and Empathy (TREE)—aren't just words on a wall; they were shaped together by our wonderful teachers, parents, and students. Together, we live by our vision, ‘Striving for Excellence.’ For us, that means nurturing well-rounded individuals, holding high expectations, and celebrating every victory—big or small. We want our students to walk out into the world with confidence, kindness, and a lifelong love for learning.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a team of deeply dedicated staff who pour their hearts into teaching every day. Our beautiful, spacious grounds, school swimming pool, science lab, library, and music room provide the perfect backdrop for curiosity and exploration to come alive.

I am incredibly proud to serve this school and community. Whether you are a current family checking in or a new family looking for the right fit for your child, my door is always open. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to say hello.

Ngā mihi nui,

Rose Illsley

Interim Principal / Tumuaki

Ongaonga School