Founded in 1875 Hukarere began as Hukarere Native School for Girls on Mataruahou, Napier. Established by Bishop William Williams and his family, the kura opened with seven kōhine. From its earliest days, Hukarere brought together education and faith, creating opportunities for Māori kōhine to learn and grow.
In 1910, a fire destroyed the kura buildings on Hukarere Road. The kura reopened in 1912 at a new site on Napier Terrace. After the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake badly damaged the buildings, the kōhine temporarily moved to Auckland while repairs were made. Hukarere returned to Napier in 1932.
Hukarere's story has also included difficult periods of closure. After the kura closed in 1991, whānau, old girls' and supporters worked to bring it back. Hukarere reopened as a kura and wharenoho in 1993, and became state-integrated in 1995.
In 2003, the kura moved from Napier to Herepoho, Eskdale. Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the Eskdale site in 2023, and Hukarere relocated to Havelock North. The buildings and location have changed, but the heart of Hukarere continues: generations of kōhine are shaped by Te Hāhi Mihinare, Māori identity, learning, and the enduring bonds of our Hukarere whānau.
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