It was established as Ruatoki Native School in 1896[3][4][5] after a visit by Richard Seddon and James Carroll.

It serves its community and other townships close by, with children transported to school by bus, van or car from Kawerau, Whakatane, Opotiki and Taneatua.

Guests are welcomed to the school or the community within a highly prioritised tikanga (protocol) and kawa of Ngāi Tūhoe.

School activities include kapa haka, manu kōrero and waka ama.

[10] Children from west of the nearby Whakatāne River attended the school in the early decades.