124 | New learning spaces for special needs Papatoetoe Intermediate School has a new set of relocatable classrooms from Portacom NZ that reflect the dignity, safety and quality its students deserve. Papatoetoe Intermediate School: Portacom T T Bernadette Cooney COMMUNITY After more than a decade advocating for upgraded classrooms for its Special Needs Unit (SNU), Papatoetoe Intermediate School has a new set of relocatable classrooms from Portacom NZ that reflect the dignity, safety and quality its students deserve. With roll numbers rising and expected to reach 1000 students by 2030, the need became urgent for the SNU, which is operated on-site by Mount Richmond School – the only intermediate-level satellite of its kind in Auckland. The existing spaces were worn and no longer fit for purpose, and despite years of patch-up repairs, improvements did not hold. A flood made the situation impossible to ignore, and in 2024 the Ministry of Education released a budget that finally allowed the school to relocate the SNU to a central position on the grounds and build new, purpose-designed spaces. Portacom NZ and a team of dedicated consultants and subcontractors worked with stakeholders to create an environment that supports SNU students, who need medical care, personal hygiene facilities, and full wheelchair access. Each room had to be designed for safety and ease of movement. Early consultation, tight organisation, and strong coordination were crucial throughout the project, which began on the last day of Term 4 in 2024. By the time students returned for Term 1 in 2025, the classroom relocation, sports court move, and all required civil works were complete. The school could use the relocated buildings immediately, which cleared the way for stage 2. Portacom NZ delivered nine Interlink 3.0 modules that form the new SNU, which were meticulously manufactured off-site at Portacom’s Auckland factory, ensuring consistent quality and a faster build schedule. This meant the three key stakeholders had to move together with precision: the Ministry of Education as funder, Papatoetoe Intermediate School as the asset owner responsible for the built environment, and Mount Richmond School as the education specialist managing the learning needs and equipment such as hoists, wheelchair ramps, and PWD toilets. The project was also a major logistical exercise. To clear space at the heart of the school, Portacom NZ had to relocate an existing classroom and shift the sports courts. A new drop-off and pick-up zone for SNU students was also required. This zone would allow families to bring students directly to the new facility, giving each learner a smooth and safe start to the day. The principal of Papatoetoe Intermediate was deeply involved from the outset. After so many years advocating for her students, she expected the result to meet the highest standards in relocatable school buildings. Portacom NZ understood this from day one and shaped its work around that commitment. For Papatoetoe Intermediate School, the outcome marks a turning point. For Portacom NZ, it stands as proof that careful planning, strong partnerships, and a focus on people can transform a challenging project into a lasting success. This foresight and planning were critical, especially as this project ran concurrently with another similar specialist classroom project at Ormiston Senior College requiring a high level of coordination and resource management. SMART AS ROOFING Stratco is proud to partner with Portacom Ltd as their preferred roofing supplier. With a shared focus on quality, innovation, and precision, this collaboration brings together two teams committed to delivering exceptional results on every build, every time. Crafted from strong, durable materials, our roofing is designed to perform, whether it’s heavy rain, high winds, or a clear summer day. Explore the full range at stratco.co.nz and see how we can help you weather-proof your home. 0800 787 282
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