18 | Creating a positive future Once complete, the transformation will provide a safer, warmer, and more modern environment. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Naenae College T T Kelly Deeks Naenae College is in the midst of a major redevelopment programme aimed at future-proofing the school and creating a modern, vibrant environment for students, staff, and the wider community. Principal Chris Taylor says the multi-stage works, led by local building company PBJ, is now at the roof replacement stage across the campus, a crucial step after years of ongoing leaks and water damage. “The leaking roofs had caused holes and bulges in walls and damage to classrooms over the years,” Chris says. “It made sense to deal with the root cause before moving on to further upgrades.” PBJ has taken a staged approach to the complex project, ensuring minimal disruption to the college’s day-to-day operations. The builders started with the roofs on the old and new gymnasiums, removing asbestos and strengthening structures as needed. Work is now progressing through other key areas of the school, including technology blocks and classrooms. The next phases of the redevelopment will see earthquake strengthening, window replacements, repainting, re-carpeting, and a full upgrade of learning spaces. Chris expects the team to move into the main school block early next year. “It’s a reasonably big project, and it’s exciting to see it all coming together,” he says. “This is about creating a better school for our kids, our staff, and our community. Already, the school is looking amazing from the outside, and the community has been commenting on how great it’s starting to look.” PBJ is no stranger to Naenae College, having recently completed a full refurbishment of the administration block. That project included internal demolition, re-pitched roofs, double glazing, LED lighting, new flooring, and modernised bathrooms, all delivered while the school remained operational. Chris says PBJ’s quality workmanship and strong communication have made them a trusted partner. “They’re not only great builders who do a solid job, they’re also great people,” he says. “They’ve built positive relationships with our students, staff, and neighbours, and they communicate really well with us about any disruptions. The company’s director is a Naenae boy from way back, and they’re genuinely invested in the outcome.” The redevelopment has also created valuable learning opportunities for students. Several are enrolled in Gateway programmes for construction and scaffolding, and they are able to observe the work on-site and see how their studies translate into real-world applications. Teachers are also using the construction project in lessons, for example maths classes referencing angles and measurements in roofing. Naenae College serves as a vital hub for the wider community, with local sports teams and community groups making extensive use of the school’s gyms and facilities. “This isn’t just about a school, it’s about a place the whole community can be proud of,” Chris says. “We’ve been a building site in one form or another for more than a year now, but our staff and students are taking it in their stride because they know the disruption is for a positive future.” Once complete, the transformation will provide a safer, warmer, and more modern environment, positioning Naenae College as a cornerstone of the community for generations to come. OUR CAPABILITIES & EXPERIENCE: • Public and government construction projects • Large scale complex commercial construction • Specialist concrete work • Seismic structural strengthening At PBJ, we are dedicated to the craft of building. Our focus is simple; build to the highest standards and quality of any construction business in New Zealand. Our commitment to delivering exceptional results is at the heart of everything we do. pbj.co.nz | admin@pbj.co.nz Consulting Training GeoSciences Keeping Schools Throughout Aotearoa safe from Asbestos Impartial advice, innovative solutions, and uncompromising integrity are always part of the SQN package, no matter the size of the project or the complexity of the job. • Identification and management of Asbestos in our schools and buildings • Managing the safe removal of asbestos • Educating workers and stakeholders on risk mitigation • Providing safer environments for our kids and future generations Email Us on info@sqn.co.nz Find out more at www.sqn.co.nz Whangārei Auckland Nelson Wanaka Wellington Christchurch Dunedin
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