1993:
Alpha Learning Programme at Elmwood School opens, exploring innovative and progressive learning theory in education, under the leadership of John Clough.
1998:
Learning Lab opened at Elmwood School, led by John Clough, Vicki Buck and Paul Bradley. The Discovery Learning Trust lodges an application with then Minister of Education, Wyatt Creech, to open a special character state school.
2001:
Discovery 1 (D1) opens in Term 3 above the Loaded Hog on Manchester Street, with Perry Rush as foundation Director, 8 staff and 30 students. In Term 4 2001, the Crossing site above the Bus Xchange opens with 130 students. The school number is 1635.
2002:
Discovery 1 adds 50 students and two homebases.
2003:
Unlimited opens – Vince Dobbs, Gill Heald and Richard Belton as Co-Directors, with 4 LA’s and the “Foundation 40” students. The school is renamed Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti (UPT) following a challenge by Unlimited Magazine. The school number is 0483.
2004:
Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti moves into Southern Star House Level 2.
2005:
Unlimited Northern Tower opens. Unlimited Basement opens for classes. Downtown Digital begins. Perry Rush leaves Discovery 1 and Daniel Birch takes over as Director.
2008:
Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti reaches its maximum MOE roll of 400 students.
2009:
John Mather appointed as Director of Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti. Discovery 1 undergoes a major refit.
2011:
February 22nd earthquake force both Discovery 1 and Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti from their CBD location. D1 and UPT are temporarily relocated to Halswell Residential College. Daniel Birch resigns and is replaced by Acting Director, Tony Naughton.
2012:
Tanja Grzeta and Alastair Wells appointed as Co-Directors of Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti. Murray Overton steps in as Acting Director of Discovery 1 in Term 4 2012.
2013:
UPT moves to Wairarapa Campus at the University of Canterbury. Merger announced. Merger Board appointed. Steven Mustor appointed as Merged School Director. Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti and Discovery 1 close. The new school’s temporary name is Unlimited-Discovery Merged School. The school number is 0683.
2014:
Merged School opens on two sites and is renamed Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery.
2019:
School moves into its new home in the CBD.
2021:
Anita Yarwood appointed as Director.