Education Minister Chris Hipkins joined Oaklands School to celebrate the start of their redevelopment and marked the milestone with a sod-turning ceremony. The redevelopment will include the construction of three new buildings including teaching and admin areas. The school hall and six buildings are also being refurbished and 11 of the existing school buildings will be demolished. The school will remain in full operation during this time, with the construction being staged to ensure minimal disruption for the students.