4 | Whanganui District Council - Te Whare o Rehua / Karori School: Watts & Hughes COMMUNITY T TEmma Bailey Karori’s state-of-the-art classroom block The project features a high-spec, two-storey building with eight flexible learning spaces. Wellington, Karori: After over a decade of meticulous planning, Karori Normal School has unveiled its new, state-of-the-art classroom block, a development enthusiastically received by the community. This ambitious project features a high- specification, two-storey building with eight flexible learning spaces arranged around a vibrant central courtyard. This significant addition is part of a broader redevelopment, which also includes the refurbishment of an existing teaching block. One block is already complete, with the final refurbishment, including a new library, set for completion by the end of 2026. Karori Normal School Principal Caroline Wills expressed immense satisfaction at the block’s completion. “It was a big moment finally getting into the new block,” Wills stated. “The local Iwi, Te Atiawa came and blessed the building, and we were honoured to have Ministers’ Nicola Willis and Erica Stanford cut the ribbon. The pupils were incredibly excited to finally get in.” Deputy Principal Phil McIntosh, who served as acting principal during a crucial phase of the build from September 2023 to December 2024, shed light on the project’s origins. “We broke ground roughly in 2023, but planning began back in 2012,” McIntosh explained. “Many of our classrooms were leaking and not fit for purpose and the Ministry agreed to replace them.” The vision for this transformative project was spearheaded by the late principal Conrad Kelly. “He put in 10 years of hard work,” McIntosh said, “But sadly passed away in September 2023 before it was completed.” The design of the eight new classroom spaces prioritises adaptability, incorporating various nooks for students. “We wanted to be flexible and responsive to the children’s needs and be able to open and close different areas depending on the lessons happening,” McIntosh highlighted. Architects Stephens and Turner drew inspiration from nature for the project’s theme, conceptualising the building as a tree and the classrooms as branches, each named after a native bird. Different shades of green used throughout the design reflect light falling on a forest, subtly connecting the architecture to its surroundings. This theme deeply resonates with the school’s location; in Te Reo, Karori (Te kaha o ngā rore) translates to “the place of many bird snares.” The school’s proximity to Zealandia, a sanctuary for native birds, further reinforces this natural link. The Ministry of Education managed and funded the core construction, with the school community now focusing on fundraising for additional enhancements. The new learning environment has already positively impacted students. “Now the children have got spaces they can move into which suits their style of learning,” Wills observed. “It has calmed and quietened down our learning environment. Phone: 06 348 0033 Email: admin@strongelectrical.co.nz Electrical Services, Fire Security & BWOF and Heat Pumps & Ventilation Proudly locally owned, operated and servicing Whanganui since 1976. “The new block is a testament to the school’s core values in action; Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga and Mahi Ngātahi, ensuring a collaborative and caring future for all pupils. Both students and teachers navigated the construction period admirably, a testament to their flexibility and the professionalism of contractors Watts and Hughes. “Our teachers and pupils were very flexible with the disruption the construction caused, which really helped,” McIntosh commended. T T from page 3 gallery earned Excellence Awards in the Civic, Health and Arts and Heritage and Adaptive Reuse categories. The gallery is also shortlisted for the Designers Institute Best Awards in October, and the NZIA National Awards in November, adding to its growing list of honours. Beyond the awards, Whanganui District Council, iwi partners, and the Sarjeant Gallery Trust see the redevelopment as a major cultural and economic driver. With more than 9000 works in its nationally significant collection, the new facilities ensure artworks can be preserved, studied, and exhibited to international standards. The revamped gallery has already drawn global attention, named among National Geographic’s 20 Best Cultural Spots in 2024. For Sarjeant Gallery Trust chair Nicola Williams, the recognition is a tribute to the generosity of the many donors who supported the project. “So many benefactors sadly won’t be here to see it, but I know they would be incredibly proud of what’s been achieved,” she said. The redeveloped Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery opened to the public on November 9, 2024 with the exhibition Nō Konei / From Here, celebrating its deep connection to Whanganui and Aotearoa art. Corner of Wilson & Ridgway Streets P: 06 345 9059 | E: whanganui@flooringdesign.co.nz Your local flooring specialists - With a wide range of Carpet, Vinyl Tiles, Vinyl, Laminate and Wood Flooring WHANGANUI Proudly supporting Whanganui District Council Service & Excellence You Can Trust Three Trees Landscaping creates We work with you to deliver custom landscape construction, backed by certified staff, quality workmanship, and attention to detail. Contact Stefan Curry / Director stefan@threetreeslandscaping.co.nz | 027 344 1844 enquire now! exceptional outdoor spaces for residential and commercial properties. www.threetreeslandscaping.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=