The sod-turning event took place on Wednesday the 5th.

It was a particularly brisk but clear morning for this important ceremony. Representing our school were our Head Students Mario Cvetkoski and Paigan-Lilly Hall as well as the Watson-Hall whānau, a family which spans right across our year levels from Year 7 to Year 13.

We were honoured to have Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāti Wheke present. Also in attendance were the Ministry of Education, our Board of Trustees, our rebuild architects from Architectus, our project management firm RDT Pacific, Southbase Construction and various school staff.

The event began on Aldwins Road where everyone was greeted by Corban Te Aika, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, who led everyone onto the site and blessed the land with karakia. The official sod was dug by our head students and has been retained for reinstating in the official opening.

The ceremonies ended with the sharing of kai. We look forward to sharing photographs of this occasion in our next newsletter.