Business Central October 2022

102 | COMMUNITY A new Wharekura and arts building are taking shape at Taradale High School. Sue Russell Developments take shape at school Taradale High School: Waipukurau Construction Taradale High School, in suburban Napier, was founded in 1970 to provide quality education to students Years 9 – 13. Given the era it was built, many buildings are coming due for either replacement or refurbishment. Deputy Principal, John Marshall, is responsible for Hetley House, one of four vertical groups of students. In this role he works closely with two deans to tend to the pastoral needs of a quarter of the 1050 students enrolled. “It is very much a community school. The school has been steadily growing however there is a cap on the maximum roll we can accept.” In the past the school has also received overseas students and John says the hope is that post-Covid times, that influx will resume. Two large developments are taking place at Taradale High School. The first, is the complete gutting of the visual arts building, to be rebuilt and modernised within its existing timber framing and foundations; a project that has caused a degree of disruption that students and teachers alike have had to work around. “Because we are rebuilding it on its original footprint, we managed to avoid some of the red tape which may have a necessary part of a new build.” The build started in June and is scheduled for completion mid-November this year, a time that can’t come soon enough according to John. “I know the arts staff and students are really looking forward to being back in their new home which will be completely transformed, with spaces working much better in a more open plan concept and the senior students who gave up their common room will be looking forward to its return too.” Atkin Construction Ltd are responsible for the new art building, while nearby a new Wharekura is being built by Waipukurau Construction Ltd, a long-standing business that concentrates on commercial, residential and educational sectors. The Wharekura is a brand new building and will provide a home-base for students studying Te Reo/Tikanga and a focal point for cultural activities. “That projects been going along really well. It is not being built on the site of the old one so there is less disruption here. It promises to be a really lovely space when completed.” Asked how involved the school has been in the design of the Wharekura and Arts blocks John says their input has been massive. While the Ministry of Education sets down guideline parameters for the project, the school has had many discussions with the architects to inform the style and feel of the completed buildings. “We work very closely with the local MoE property division. Alan Didley is fantastic to work with and very supportive of the school’s new builds and upgrades.” The Wharekura build is budgeted at $800,000 while the new Arts building carries a $1.2million price-tag. Along with the Wharekura and new Arts block the school has also just had major repair work undertaken to its gymnasium roof. Typical of many schools built in the era, Nelson blocks, each containing 12 classrooms, command a large proportion of the site. John says there’s a strong will from the school to have these replaced for far more appealing, functional and engaging learning spaces. “About five years ago we managed to get rid of one Nelson block and replace it with a 10 classroom single level science block. We’re in continual discussions with the Ministry to have the other two Nelson blocks demolished and rebuilt as modern learning environments which will also be disability friendly. All advice received to date suggest that it doesn’t make sense educationally or financially to attempt to bring the existing buildings up to code. While the school understands the pressure the Ministry of Education is under to provide new educational buildings around the country, staff and students at Taradale High School would love to see these last two remaining Nelson blocks replaced sooner rather than later. At Phoenix we design, manufacture, install and service a full range of bespoke lifts. We are an experienced team providing New Zealand and the Pacific Islands with a tradition of excellence in installation and maintenance of all lifts. COMMERCIAL • DOMESTIC • DISABLED EQUIPMENT | www.phoenixelevators.co.nz | 0800 823 030 | info@phoenixelevators.co.nz

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