118 | Preserving school’s spiritual heart The Gothic-style structure with its castellated detailing has long been regarded as the spiritual heart of the school. Breen Construction - Oamaru T T Kelly Deeks COMMUNITY Breen Construction is playing a leading role in safeguarding one of New Zealand’s most significant school memorial buildings, with major restoration and refurbishment work underway at Waitaki Boys’ High School’s Hall of Memories. The Oamaru landmark, opened in 1927, honours about 700 former students and teachers, who served in World War One, including the 119 that lost their lives. As the school approaches the hall’s centenary in 2027, the Ministry of Education-funded project is ensuring the building will remain fit for purpose for generations to come. Waitaki Boys’ High School rector Darryl Paterson says the programme of work is extensive and highly specialised, with Breen the main contractor, and project manager Michael Forgie of Forgie Hollows Associates (Oamaru) managing a complex range of trades, consultants, and heritage elements, while the school continues its day-to-day operations around the site. Water-tightness issues prompted the full reroof, while the project also includes structural upgrades and seismic strengthening to bring the building up to modern standards. The pipe organ is being replaced, stained glass windows have been carefully removed, cleaned, and reinstated, and interior finishes are being refurbished. For the school, the Ministry’s decision to assume responsibility for the building several years ago was transformative. “About two or two and a half years ago the Ministry took ownership of the hall,” Darryl says. “We are hugely relieved. We would have had to find $3 million to fund this project and that is a lot of sausage sizzles.” Designed by Oamaru architect John Megget Forrester, the Gothic-style structure with its castellated detailing has long been regarded as the spiritual heart of the school. The hall was the vision of rector Frank Milner, who believed a grand memorial in the tradition of English public schools would provide a lasting tribute to service, sacrifice, and citizenship. Nearly a century on, those values remain central, and the restoration is as much about protecting meaning as it is about preserving bricks and mortar. Great care is being taken to retain original features while discreetly integrating modern performance requirements. Darryl says the project team has demonstrated the care and capability required when working within a building of such importance. Michael adds the quality of craftsmanship applied is unbelievable, and particularly evident in the slate roofing, lead work, and stained glass windows. “These contractors are true craftsmen,” he says. The timing is critical. With centenary commemorations planned for ANZAC weekend in 2027, the school is determined the hall will be presented at its best when old boys, families, and visitors return to honour those commemorated within its walls. For Breen, the project highlights the company’s ability to deliver technically demanding upgrades, while respecting heritage fabric and working in close partnership with clients, consultants, and specialist trades. For Waitaki Boys’, it means peace of mind. “It is a monument to our old boys and teachers,” Darryl says. “What matters is making sure it stands strong for the next 100 years.” Your Local Leading Provider of Industrial Solutions in New Zealand Backed by a management team with over 120 years of combined experience, we specialise in tailored, full-service project execution across the industrial, mining, energy, infrastructure, and commercial sectors. Rope Access Design & Engineering Insulation & Cladding Scaffolding & Access Solutions 03-2700060 022 340 0887 Brendan Walsh bwalsh@calnz.co.nz Proudly Supporting Breen Construction South Island | Restoring the past to preserve for the future Proud to work alongside Breen Construction STONEMASONRY • RESTORATION • SEISMIC STRENGTHENING 03 456 0445 • www.wainwrightandhickey.co.nz
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