About
Waiheke High
Established in 1986 Waiheke High School is the only island based High School in New Zealand and caters for students from years 7-13.
In a relatively short time, we have accomplished an enviable academic record, recognising the top overall scholar and top Maori student of New Zealand as just some of our students’ outstanding successes.
The community of Waiheke includes a rich diversity of creative and entrepreneurial talent combining independent thinking with a strong sense of island identity. This spirited energy is also reflected in the sporting and cultural achievements of our students.
It is within this thriving and vibrant community that Waiheke High School is building a strong tradition of providing enhanced and localised educational opportunities for our students.
Our Vision
Whakataukī
Whāia te pae tawhiti.
Pursue your goals to the furthest horizon.
Our role and mission:
To inspire pride.
Being the waka which guides our rangatahi on their individual journey to success.
Our Tumuaki / Principal
Kia ora and welcome to Waiheke High School!
Ko Cameron Flude tōku ingoa, te tumuaki o te kura tuarua o Waiheke. I am privileged to lead one of the best schools in the country, bringing 15 years of experience from various schools across New Zealand to this role.
At Waiheke High School, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence in all areas—from academics, to sports, to the arts, and everything in between. We’re deeply rooted in our WISE values: whanaungatanga, independence, school culture, and excellence. These principles guide us in creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Our History
1882
The first school on Waiheke Island opened in a room of the Gordon’s house in Te Matuku Valley.
1911
Enrolments at Te Huruhi Native School, founded in 1911, included students of seventeen and eighteen.
1954
Waiheke District High School opened on February 1954 with 21 students, 16 girls and 5 boys, taught by the first assistant, Mr Whitworth and Miss Ponsonby, the Headmistress.
1970
Waiheke Area School, the second in New Zealand, was established, formally opened in 1974.
1985
After negotiations with the Educations Department, the Auckland Education Board, the N.Z.E.I., the P.P.T.A., and public meetings, the people of Waiheke chose to have a separate High School and Primary School.
1987
Waiheke High School opened on February 3rd 1986 with a roll of 330 students, under the new Principal Mr Frank Solomon. An extensive building programme to upgrade existing school buildings was spread over the following 2 years.
Waiheke Island
Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is in the Hauraki Gulf and is a special and beautiful place to live. It has golden sandy beaches with stunning scenery and blue clean water. Dolphins, and occasionally whales, are spotted in the waters around Waiheke.
The most popular leisure activities revolve around the sea, for example, swimming, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and sailing.
Regular fast ferries run every half hour between Waiheke Island and downtown Auckland. This means that students can live in a beautiful environment in a small friendly community, yet still have access to New Zealand’s biggest city.
Waiheke Island is a famous tourist destination where people from around the world come to enjoy the Island. Beaches, shopping, cafes and vineyards are some of the attractions on this island.
The Island is very safe and prides itself on being a caring community. The population is about 9000.
