For 150 years, generations of children have passed through the gates of Greerton Village School – Te Kura o Maarawaewae.

On November 13-14, former pupils, families, staff and the wider community will return to celebrate 150 years of learning, friendship, challenge and community.

For two principals, who together have led the school for almost a quarter of that history, the anniversary is a chance to reflect on what makes the kura (school) special – and what they hope will endure.

A collection in principal Kimberley Henderson-Ginns' office reflects the rich cultural heart of the school. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Anne Mackintosh was principal from 2002 to 2020, followed by current principal Kimberley Henderson-Ginns. Across their combined 24 years at the helm, education, technology and society changed dramatically, but both said the school’s greatest strength remained its people and sense of belonging.

Mackintosh: ‘Kids always came first’

When Mackintosh arrived at Greerton Village School in 2002, she was returning to Tauranga after working at the Merivale and Maungatapu schools.

Warmly welcomed by children, staff, the board of trustees and the community, she arrived at a school that had experienced several changes in leadership. Her priorities were stability, security and consistency, alongside creating a shared vision for the future.

That vision became known as “Big Vision, Small Steps” – ambitious hopes for children and the school, achieved by working together and taking things one step at a time.

At its heart was the belief that children learnt best when they felt secure, valued, supported and that they belonged.

Mackintosh said the school drew inspiration from Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model of hauora (wellbeing).

Former Greerton Village School principal Anne Mackintosh (left) and current principal Kimberley Henderson-Ginns. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

“In many ways, we were building our own whare together,” she said. “Each part needed to be strong if the whole was to stand steady, determined and resolute.”

Academic achievement was important, but so were music, sport, culture, leadership and creativity. The school became increasingly recognised for supporting children with diverse and special needs.

“Catering for diverse and special needs became our hallmark,” Mackintosh said. “We were passionate about doing the best we could for our ‘Treasures’.”

One of her greatest sources of pride, looking back on 18 years, was seeing that philosophy continue after she left.

“Schools are never the work of one person,” she said. “Their real strength lies in a community developing a shared belief in what matters – then carrying it together from one generation to the next.”

Throughout her time as principal, one principle remained constant: “Kids always came first – no matter what.”

“Being principal for 18 years was one of the greatest pleasures and privileges of my professional and personal life,” she said. “It has a very special place in my heart.”

Current Greerton Village School principal Kimberley Henderson-Ginns (left) enjoying a visit from former principal Anne Mackintosh. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Henderson-Ginns: ‘It is our people’

For Henderson-Ginns, who took over in 2020, that same sense of belonging remained central.

“Without a doubt, it is our people who make our kura what it is,” she said. “Our children, our staff, our whānau – our entire school community – are the reason this place is so special.”

She described Greerton Village School as an inclusive kura where tamariki (children) come first.

“Everyone has a place here. No one is too important to do any job and we all step in because we are here for our children.”

Visitors often commented on the school’s distinctive atmosphere, with Henderson-Ginns saying they can “sense the wairua [soul]” when they walk through the doors.

Generations of whānau connections continue, with former students returning as adults, sometimes with children of their own.

“In the end, it is not about what we said, did, or taught, but about how we made them feel,” Henderson-Ginns said. “That feeling of belonging, care and connection is the legacy that endures.”

One of the classrooms at Greerton Village School. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

A highlight of Henderson-Ginns’ tenure was the 2022 opening of Whakatō te Kākano, the school’s bilingual unit. The initiative was driven by whānau and brought to life through the dedication of staff, particularly Aunty Barr (Bonnie Pearson) and Whaea Helen (Helen Quirke).

“Aunty Barr is, and has always been, the backbone of our kura,” Henderson-Ginns said.

“When people think about our school, they think of her.”

She described Aunty Barr as the heartbeat of the kura for decades, influencing and loving thousands of tamariki who have passed through its doors.

“She is a treasured part of our school’s identity – woven into our history, our culture, and our story.”

Another memorable moment came when the school’s rugby team finally defeated a neighbouring school after decades of trying. When the players, aged 10-11, returned through the gates, about 350 tamariki and staff erupted into a haka.

“At that moment, they were like the All Blacks winning the World Cup,” Henderson-Ginns said.

Years later, one of the boys told her it remained the highlight of his schooling.

Artwork at Greerton Village School welcoming visitors. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Henderson-Ginns’ hope is that today’s tamariki left knowing they were loved, seen and believed in.

“More than anything, we want our children to leave our kura believing in themselves as strongly as we believe in them,” she said.

A legacy of belonging

For both principals, the 150th anniversary was about people rather than buildings.

Mackintosh said a school is “so much more than buildings, classrooms and playgrounds”.

“It is relationships, memories, hopes, laughter, challenges, learning, teaching and belonging.”

Henderson-Ginns hoped the kura never lost its identity as “a school rich in history, grounded in identity, and proud of where we come from”.

Greerton Village School’s 150-year milestone will be celebrated November 13-14. Former pupils, staff, whānau and the wider Greerton community were encouraged to register for the event at: www.greerton.school.nz.