A large contingent of the Hāwea Flat community including past and present pupils of Hāwea Flat School (HFS) attended the opening of eight new classrooms on Friday (June 2).

The event, which was emceed by children at the school, was described as “an  important day in the history of Hāwea Flat School”.

“To get here today … there has been a huge team and a lot of effort behind the scenes,” principal Tania Pringle said.

“We have been short of space for a significant period of time and it just means that we are able to offer the programmes we want to and that there are enough classrooms for every child.

“We are loving our classrooms already.”

HFS board of trustees member Julia Cragg said it was not only an important day for the school but also for the area.

A large crowd attended the opening ceremony.

“Growth in the area has been on the increase for quite some time and the school has had to meet some stiff challenges head-on,” she said. 

“I want to acknowledge the Ministry of Education, Southbase Construction, and the many contractors who have been part of this journey. I think you will all agree the finished product has been worth the wait.”

As well as eight new classrooms the building project includes a new wastewater plant, new fire-fighting water supply, and upgrades to the power supply, communications system, and fire alarms, plus a new bike park.

The ceremony included an acknowledgement of the school’s 140-year history, from the early European and Maori settlers to battles to keep the school open, and the challenges presented today by the growth of the community.

The building project increases the number of classrooms by 80 percent and the school now has 18 classrooms for a role of 321 students.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App