About 150 former pupils and staff returned to the Warepa School grounds where that school and the former Kaihiku School held their joint celebrations.
Many of those attending still live in the area, with the Ayson family having one of the strongest connections.
Seventh-generation pupil Ryan Dodds (7) was one of four current and former pupils to cut the jubilee cake.
Fred Waite, a former pupil and descendant of founding Warepa School schoolmaster William Watkins Waite, travelled from the United Kingdom for the occasion.
Jubilee committee chairman Lewis Cross said the gathering was a time to renew friendships and refresh memories.
Newton Dodds, whose family has been resident in the area for more than 150 years, said the district should feel proud of the school's facilities.
Principal Sue Adcock said the school had grown to a three-teacher, eight-staff facility with a roll of 52 with the prospect of even more numbers in the 2009 intake.
A new sundial was unveiled while all those attending were invited to contribute their school memories for inclusion in a time capsule to be sealed and not be opened for at least 25 years.
