Motueka Primary School was established in 1857 and became part of the Motueka District High School, which was later developed on our Pah Street site. The present Parklands buildings were opened in 1944, and then in 1955, the secondary department transferred to the new Motueka High School in Whakarewa Street. The following year the name ‘Parklands’ was adopted for the Primary School. Today, Parklands School is a co-educational state School and the largest full primary School in the Motueka district.

Motueka is a rural township, 50 km from Nelson, servicing a population of 12,000 expanding to 20,000 during the summer. It is a diverse community, with farming, horticulture, commerce, forestry, fishing and tourism, being the main contributors to the economic base. Services and facilities available in the town cater for most of the needs of the community. These include a public library, museum, recreation centre, airport, sports and cultural clubs, as well as a comprehensive shopping centre and range of professional services.

The School is centrally located in the township, close to the business area. It is also handy to community facilities and to the region’s rivers, beaches and national parks. Amongst the School Community, are a wide diversity of lifestyles, cultures, philosophies and beliefs.

Parklands, as the name suggests, is set in a pleasantly park-like environment, with large grassed areas, established shade trees and landscaped gardens. The School has extensive sports fields and playground facilities. Teaching spaces include modernised classrooms, library and a new Technology Centre catering for Year 7 and 8 students from Parklands and other local primary schools.

The School encourages high achievement in academic, cultural and sporting activities. Significant features of the School programme include programmes for students with special learning needs or abilities, opportunities for students to learn Te Reo Maori and educational experiences outside the classroom.

Our Mission … “Educational excellence for all”

Our Vision … When children leave our school they will have developed the abilities, attitudes and ideals necessary for them to become valued members of today’s society, able to make a positive contribution to tomorrow’s world.