Westmere is a lake and rural community in the Whanganui District and Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island.

The settlement was established in the late 19th century, with a school being opened near the lake in 1894. Seven generations of the Laird family have been involved in the school, including school co-founder Alex Laird and founding teacher Emma Laird. The buildings were built by local families, and the soil for the grounds was transported with horses and drays from local farms.[1]

Former residents include Wellington paediatrician Dr Brierley Emmett and concert pianist Liam Wooding.[1]

Education

Westmere School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[2][3] with a roll of 216 as of April 2023.[4]

Between 1994 and 2006, under principal Bill Greening, the school was rebuilt with two new adventure playgrounds. The school board of trustees and parent trustee association raised an average of $30,000 per annum to fund the improvements.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Wylie, Liz (23 October 2019). "Westmere School in Whanganui celebrates 125 years of education". New Zealand Media and Entertainment. Whanganui Chronicle.
  2. ↑ "Official School Website". westmereprimary.school.nz.
  3. ↑ "Ministry of Education School Profile". educationcounts.govt.nz. Ministry of Education.
  4. ↑ "Education Review Office Report". ero.govt.nz. Education Review Office.

39°53′49″S 174°59′43″E / 39.896858°S 174.995219°E / -39.896858; 174.995219


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