6 May 2015
CONSTRUCTION of the first stage of Tarawera High School’s new buildings is on track to meet a June completion date.
Earth works to prepare the site at the Kawerau school began at the end of 2014 and months later the new administration block and learning common are almost complete.
Principal Helen Tuhoro said she recently ordered appliances and whiteware for the administration area, while flooring, ceiling construction and internal painting were under way.
She said the brick work on the outside of the theatre and hospitality block was being completed, and this section of the build would become the focus of construction efforts over the next few weeks.
“Initially it was like living in a constant earthquake zone with the shuddering from the earth-moving equipment late last year,” Mrs Tuhoro said.
“But it’s a completely separate site to the side of the school, so really there hasn’t been much in the way of disruption to the students.”
Tarawera High School was granted a special allowance to finish school a week earlier this term to allow staff time to move from four old blocks and into the new buildings.
Once staff have complete the move asbestos will be removed from four blocks before demolition begins at the beginning of term three.
Mrs Tuhoro said the school was preparing to celebrate the past and the future, and pay respects to those who had passed during a full day of celebrations on June 24.
Beginning at dawn, the old buildings would be blessed and the school hall, also due for demolition, would host a display about Kawerau College.
The event would end with an evening of entertainment to celebrate student successes.
Once the demolition was complete the second stage of building would begin. This would include a second learning common and a multipurpose performance space, to be completed by Christmas.
Source: Whakatane Beacon