Thirty years ago a group of dedicated parents had a dream.

They shared a vision to create a school environment where every child had the opportunity to develop and grow to the very best of their ability academically, socially and physically.

Apii Te Uki Ou is their dream which became a reality in 1993 - an independent school which offers pre-school, primary and junior secondary education.

On Friday the school celebrated its 30th birthday hosting a special assembly.

​Apii Te Uki Ou started its humble beginnings with one teacher - Kathy Nooroa and 15 students who used the Latter Day Saints (LDS) hall at Avatiu as a classroom.

Apii Te Uki Ou celebrated its 30th birthday on Friday during a special assembly with the attendance of founding members including Jessie Sword, Tere and Mike Carr, Karen Harvey and former staff and students. MELINA ETCHES/23052624

Today Apii Te Uki Ou is a thriving, energetic school with 255 students and 33 staff and teachers.

Principal Carly Ave handed over the official address about the school’s history to Saireni Pekepo-Poila the schools longest serving teacher (23 years) having started in 1999.

Pekepo-Poila acknowledged former board members Karen Harvey and Brent Weenik, her first pre-school boss Lesley Okotai, her mentor the late Keu Titaa and prayer warrior Tu Edwards for their guidance and support at the school.

Although her starting salary was $100 per week, she has persevered and shared her experiences and love for teaching at Apii Uki Te Ou with the students.

Founding members Jessie Sword, Tere and Mike Carr and the Board Chair Miranda also addressed the school.

Speaking to the students Tere Carr said: “All of you are part of a dream that we had for a school like this right here in Rarotonga so that we didn’t have to leave our island home to take our kids away.

“Thank you to all of us who stuck with our dream.”

Mike Carr in his address said, “just remember this is the best school, you’ve got the best teachers, you’ve got the best support, don’t take it for granted you’ve got the best opportunities, appreciate the school and just really enjoy your time here - be very thankful for the school.”

The student leaders of the school are Vaihere Mitchell - Head Girl and Terry Peua - Head Boy who were given the privilege to blow out the birthday cake candles along with former student Brie Mangakahia.

Past and present Principals of Apii Te Uki Ou are: Kathy Nooroa, June Hosking, Jason Ataera, Simon Drewery, Brendon Fiebig, Michelle Irving, Mark Harris and Carly Ave (current).

In its early days the school moved from Avatiu to Rangiura in Nikao.

As the school grew new premises were required.

The old Ngatangiia Primary School buildings were vacant at the time and negotiations with the Ministry of Education resulted in Te Uki Ou School relocated to Takitumu on the beachfront in the village of Ngatangiia.

​ Apii Te Uki Ou is a Ministry of Education and privately funded school located on the main island of Rarotonga.