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 231 as of August 2024.[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]
