[2] At the same time a full primary school was completed around the Infant Block with Mr. N. Thomson becoming the first headmaster.

The name "Ōkaihau" is a Māori name which means "Feast of the winds", which is relevant to the location of the area on a ridge over 200 m above sea level.

The puriri leaves and berries make up the college logo, and the schools motto is "Harmony, Truth and Effort".

The curriculum includes all the traditional subject areas up to NCEA Level 3 with an emphasis on performing arts and education out of the classroom.

Over 90% of students travel to school by bus, coming from an area bounded by Mangamuka Bridge, Motukiore, Ōhaeawai and Waimate North.