This is where both my children spent (and one is still spending) their primary years. It has long…read morehad a reputation as being one of the best schools in the central Auckland suburbs, so much so that house prices, including rentals, in the area are a good hundred dollars more (per week, rental or add three zeros for purchase) than those just over the boundary. All parents in Auckland come up against the bloody school zone dilemma because opinions are like arseholes - everyone has one. In the end I think that you can never know what a school is like for your particular child and family until you try it yourself. Our first few years here were great, although it's important to note that this is a "learning" school for teachers which means there's a good proportion who are just starting out in their careers. This has proved to be a positive and a negative - it just depends on the teacher. After a really great three or so years things things began to slide and choices were being made that many parents were questioning. The outcome of this is that the school is currently under a temporary principal (who seems to be doing a great job under the circumstances) and the hope is that the new permanent principal will start in Term 2 2013. The school community is very much looking forward to this as big decisions regarding the way forward will once again be possible so if you are thinking of this school for your child, keep your ear to ground and see what happens.

I never actually went to Maungawhau, but I had friends who did. They turned out alright. My…read moreintroduction to this place was years after primary school, when I was inducted into the illicit, underground cricket ring that operated out of here. Illicit and underground might be overstating it a bit. Basically we would just play little games of cricket on the courts here in the afternoons sometimes. For a school grounds after hours it's nice how much use it gets. Quite apart from us wrecking our shoulders pretending we know how to bowl, you often see other people throwing balls around, or small children on roller blades and bikes being trailed by weary, obliging parents. This school is a focal point of the community not only because it's a school, with everything that entails, but also because of the space itself and the use people make of it. This is really nice to see, and we're happy to donate several tennis balls to the cause (we've left most of them on the roof, and a couple lodged in that big tree).

This intermediate school is huge and serves as a catchment for at least five primary schools in the…read morearea. When our children moved from primary to intermediate they were the "big kids", dressed in a school uniform for the first time and ready to take up the challenge. Under the guidance of their long serving principal, Terry Hewetson, the school has gained a lot of notoriety from its links with international sister schools and its teaching style. Their auditorium is excellent, and the school embraces technology and communication. They have a morning Cactus Radio Station, run by the children themselves. My kids loved the food technology room (for the yummy treats they made there) and the swimming pool (many an exciting swimming sports day was held here).

Having sent three of my children through this West Auckland primary school I can vouch for their…read moreamazing attributes. While the principal has changed since we were there and a few new teachers have probably come on board, by all accounts Kaurilands is still a top primary school. We loved the community spirit, we loved the big field, the special events like the annual school fair, the talent quests, sports days and discos. Nothing beats morning jump jam to get your day going with voom! Their big field is an amazing resource with a regenerating wetland adventure play area surrounding the stream. Everyone is super friendly, starting with Jackie at the front office to the librarian, teachers and our favourite caretaker.

Best little kindy out West. My nieces and nephews attended here and they all took to it like ducks…read moreto water. The teachers are really lovely and on the day's I have been a visitor the welcome is so friendly. The facility itself feels like a home away from home, very comfortable for the preschoolers as they get used to routines and a more disciplined form of learning. There is lots of unstructured play interspersed with mat time and projects done together. Outside the playground is a great avenue of endless exploration and games. Being right next to Oratia School would make the transition from 4 to 5 years and start of school an easy one.

Very solid school in all areas. The teachers and staff were dedicated, focussed, and committed…read morebeyond the usual school requirement. Most staff gave up personal time to be involved in school events. It was a very positive experience being part of the community and easy to be involved supporting the school. We would highly recommend it to anyone considering this school. There are almost no schools in the area to match it. If only they ran an Intermediate school to follow on with life would be perfect...!

Ok, now it is a few years since my children were preschoolers, but I think I still have the…read moreauthority to rave about Titirangi Kindergarten. This is based on my own experiences and on chatting to friends who have youngsters attending, all who share the same sentiments as me. Which is a glowing 5 Star endorsement. From day one, each and every one of my three children (and all of our neighbourhood friends who attended) fell in love with this relaxed kindy, their great facilities and mostly the lovely teachers. Here's what is so awesome about the kindy: their nature table and their woodwork area get top marks. A sandpit to envy other kindergartens, complemented by a great adventure playground which is nestled in the Titirangi bush. Cool books and an even cooler Lego collection. There was not a day that went by that the kids didn't bring home a colourful artistic creation of recounted yet another adventure at Titirangi Kindy. Well prepared for school years after a stint at this kindergarten.

I have loved my years with Meadowbank kindy for my two boys, and I highly recommend it to anyone…read moreliving in the area. It is so popular for a reason - the staff are great, so caring and friendly, and the facilities are quality. Also, the parents are a lovely bunch of people and many of us have stayed friends through school as well. The parent support group does a fantastic job of fundraising and arranging social events. Afternoon Kindy for kids over 3 is from 12:45-3:15, and Morning Kindy for kids over 4 is from 8:45-12:30 on Mon & Fri, and 8:45-11:45 on T/W/T. This has been a wonderful local community for us. If you have children who are 2 in Meadowbank, put them on the waiting list now!

Pinehurst offers an amazing education using the Cambridge curriculum and they have great teachers…read more Their is hardly any bullying and their are lots of different cultures of people there they offer great service opportunities that can go towards your resume. It's from years 1-13 and is a great school overall. I definitely recommend going their It does cost a lot of money $