Te Papapa leads the way in future school design2 min read

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Te Papapa School has begun the year by opening its new, modern classroom block – a significant addition that is setting the standard for other classroom builds across New Zealand.

The school’s executive officer and former pupil, Anite Faitala, says the development marks a major milestone. “It’s the first new building the school has received in the 26 years I’ve been working here.”

The last major building work at the school took place in the 1980s.

Adding to the excitement, the new block has become a prototype for all new school builds nationwide. Delivery Manager, Ahmed Gomaa for the Ministry of Education, says four other schools are getting new buildings based on the Te Papapa design. He says a lot of thought has gone into creating a sturdy, long-lasting and cost-effective building that would be perfect for the school.

The whole school took part in the celebration, holding a powhiri for guests from the Ministry and the contractors, in the assembly hall before the building was officially blessed. Teacher Aonui Piringi Kāka-Nathan led the blessing, guided guests and students through the new space to bless the rooms and give everyone a first look at the new facilities.

Te Papapa’s other new building, its library, was also due to open before the start of the term, but construction was delayed after contractors discovered the remains of the school’s old swimming pool beneath the planned foundations.

The pool had been closed more than 20 years ago due to high maintenance costs. They believed it had been demolished and completely removed in 2012, but during excavation, it was discovered that the base of the pool had simply been buried. The concrete had to be removed before the foundations of the library could be built, causing delays to the project. Work is now nearing competition,and the new library is expected to open later in March.