122 | School celebrates milestones The redevelopment marks a multi-year investment in restoring and enhancing the school’s facilities. COMMUNITY Opononi School & Bay Builders T T Anne Boswell Northland’s Opononi School has celebrated not one, but two important milestones this year. Not only did the school commemorate its 50th Jubilee in April 2025, but in August, it celebrated the opening of its first purpose-built building to be erected since the school opened in 1975. Eight years in the making, the redevelopment marks a multi-year investment in restoring and enhancing the school’s facilities. Years of harsh marine exposure and general wear and tear had led to roof decay and damp inside wall cavities at the school. The upgrade was facilitated based on the Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring all tamariki and their teachers have warm, safe and dry learning environments, while meeting the weathertightness standards and health and safety regulations. Acting Principal, Milton Ross, said the vibe around the school has been really positive. “There has been a huge amount of excitement around the school and the community with the completion of the new build,” he said. “Our rangatahi are very excited. They are engaged in their new space, and seeing the teachers working alongside them is gratifying.” At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Matua Hone Klaricich, who was part of the community group that built the school in 1975, and the youngest Opononi School student did the honours together. “It was a lovely full circle moment,” Mr Ross said. The first tender for the project was issued in 2017, but Covid-created delays saw work deferred until January 2024, with the demolition of the old block and the removal of asbestos-containing materials. Stage 2 saw construction commence in June 2024, and work was completed in August 2025, with four new teaching spaces, a breakout area, a library space and toilets. The teaching spaces are large with double glazing, heat pumps, quality carpet, Wi-Fi connectivity and TV access. The redevelopment also included a major upgrade of the gym and hall, including complete re-roofing, partial re-pitching and re-cladding of the hall and gym and Block 2B. There were upgrades to the changing rooms, showers and toilets. This renovation created a refreshed, multi-functional and future-ready building for students and staff. Ministry of Education Delivery Team Manager, Ridwaan Khan, said the redevelopment offered many benefits, including improved functionality and comfort for students and staff to teach and learn; enhanced accessibility for differently-abled users; a modern, high-quality facility suitable for community use; and upgraded infrastructure such as lighting, heating and plumbing, all of which contribute to a positive learning atmosphere, better student outcomes and staff morale. “But while new teaching spaces are valuable and appreciated, the most important thing is what happens between the teachers and our students,” Mr Ross said. Te Kura Takiwā o Opononi Executive Officer, Stephanie Craike, found construction company Bay Builders to have great communication and included the school at every point in the building process. “They have been very quick at dealing with any issues that have cropped up with the handover process,” she said.
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