In preparation for construction to begin on the site of the new school, a blessing was held at Ōrua Paeroa  on Friday 23 June. 

This was conducted by Corban Te Aika and Lynne Te Aika, representatives of Ngāi Tūāhuriri (a hapu of Ngāi Tahu). They also spoke briefly about the significance of the name Ōrua Paeroa, which means two ridges or sandbars, one of which ran from Kaiapoi to Southshore, and the other from Kaiapoi to Linwood Avenue. Between these ridges is low lying land which was a traditional mahinga kai area for Ngāi Tahu. 

The blessing was attended by John Laurenson, Tim Grocott and Kirsten Dell-Hartgers from the staff, and Connor Edwards, Head Boy and Uriah Tuli, a Year 10 student. Also in attendance were representatives from Avonside Girls’ High School, Ministry of Education, ShapEd, Aurecon and Ngāi Tahu.