An innovative new school design is taking shape at Rangitaiki College in Edgecumbe, as the long-awaited $11 million Stage One rebuild officially gets under way.

The project has been years in the making, and principal Shelley Power says she is thrilled construction is about to begin.

Alongside the rebuild, the school is also developing a new uniform, a refreshed vision, and a modernised curriculum.

Where the school’s administration block and hall once stood on College Road now lies a bare site, ready to be transformed. Over the coming months, Stage One of the rebuild will take form – a design inspired by the awa (river) that runs through the region.

Stage One will feature a turning bay for buses, a modern administration block, staff and storage areas, a wellness centre, and a SENCO and specialist classroom. All buildings will be elevated on piers and connected by decking, allowing for greater resilience and flexibility.

Three “awa of learning” – Tarawera, Rangitaiki, and Whakatāne – will branch out from the front buildings.

“At the front of the school is an ātea wahuruwa, or open space, which we hope to make culturally responsive by resurrecting some magnificent carvings,” Ms Power said. “We would like these placed at the front of the school to welcome people in.”

Rangitaiki College, which now has about 160 students, is adopting the Ministry of Education’s modular design approach – a system that allows buildings to be constructed off-site and assembled quickly once foundations are ready.

“It’s a very sensible approach,” Ms Power said.

The large modules [to be built off-site), and more than two classrooms in size, will float on top of piers, a faster process than doing extensive site preparation.

“It is a design that has been used quite substantially in Christchurch and Wellington. But I understand for the local council, it is the first design like this they had seen. It has been carefully vetted to ensure it is the best possible outcome in terms of safety, and it is also very financially prudent.”

Marra Construction has been contracted for the build and Modcom Portable Buildings is manufacturing the modular units.

Stage One is expected to be completed and ready for occupation by June next year.

“This will give the school a new frontage and a sense of personality again,” Ms Power said.

Stage two is expected to begin later next year. The project will involve a staged demolition of the rest of the school, with the new modern food technology block being the only existing building to remain.

Beyond the physical transformation, Rangitaiki College is also reimagining its curriculum to better prepare students for the future.

“We need to prepare our kids better, engage our Year 9s and juniors more, and give them the skills they need to succeed,” Ms Power said.

Working with a stakeholder group for the past year and visiting other schools have been invaluable.

The school has been exploring key future-focused competencies – literacy, numeracy, wellbeing, resilience, financial literacy, and technology – among others.

“We want a school that provides students with whatever pathways they wish to pursue,” Ms Power said. “Because we’re a small school, we can be flexible and responsive. We look after our kids well.”

The school is also finalising a new vision statement with input from its recently elected board, which includes five parent representatives.

“It’s about starting to become the Rangitaiki College we have a vision of, vibrant and fit-for-purpose,” Ms Power said. “Everything will be new, and that’s incredibly exciting for us.”