Massey High School
Our History

Massey High School was established in February 1969 to serve the growing communities of West Auckland. Over time, it has developed from a semi-rural school into one of the largest co-educational secondary schools in the region.

Founding and Early Years (1969–1970s)

When Massey High School first opened in 1969, the permanent site on Don Buck Road was not yet ready. Staff and students were temporarily based at Henderson High School.

In 1970, the school moved into its current home on Don Buck Road once construction was completed.

The campus was designed using the Nelson Two-Storey standard plan, featuring distinctive H-shaped, two-storey classroom blocks. Three of these original blocks are still in use today.

Growth and Change

As Auckland expanded westward, Massey High School transitioned from serving a mainly rural community to a large and diverse suburban population.

Student numbers grew rapidly, reflecting the growth of West Auckland. Temporary classrooms were added over time to support this expansion. Today, the school has a roll of over 2,100 students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Modern Development

In 2003, the school began a major redevelopment plan to modernise facilities and improve learning spaces. Departments were reorganised into dedicated learning areas, including mathematics, English, arts, languages, and social sciences.

A major feature of this development was the opening of the Bruce Candy Science Centre, a purpose-built facility for science and technology learning, including physics, chemistry, biology, electronics, and horticulture.

Vocational Pathways

In recent years, Massey High School has expanded its focus beyond traditional academic learning. It is now a leading provider of Trades Academies in Auckland, offering vocational pathways in areas such as building, automotive, and hospitality.

The History of Te Mahanahana

Explore the history of Te Mahanahana, including the stories behind our name, our carvings, and the significant milestones that have contributed to the identity of our school.