Wainui School was built in 1878, a year after the first Education Act was passed. The Education Act 1877 provided for free, compulsory and non-religious education. Children were taught reading and writing and graded into six standards. The reading texts were mostly moral tales written for British council schools and maintained class values and divisions.
There was very little equipment in early schools beyond a few maps and books. Children used slate writing tablets and slate pencils for writing their lessons, and the teacher used a nib-pen and ink. Some of these are on display inside. There were strict rules about conduct – both during school time and after school. Not only were the children supposed to behave well at all times, but so was the teacher.
This schoolhouse is mainly constructed of Kauri timber, with sash windows and a coved ceiling, that the chimney flue once passed through. The only heating during the cold winter months would have been from a small wood burner. The Wainui School was donated to MOTAT by the Department of Education in 1969.
Specifications
| Type | School house | |
| Address | Wainui, Auckland | |
| Date | 1878 | |
| Materials | Kauri Timber |
