Ngaruawahia High School Redevelopment

After experiencing significant roll growth, Ngaruawahia High School required additional facility to provide a good base for a sustainable future for the school. The Ministry planned a significant investment in the property to overhaul the school’s overall condition and to allow for further roll growth. In 2020, Livingstone Building was engaged for 2 Separable Portions – a new classroom block and admin block renovation, and demolition of B Block, boiler room, shed and incinerator. The first portion of the build involved the construction of a new 1,080m² 10-classroom block comprising of art, tech and general-purpose teaching facilities, breakout rooms, bathrooms, and technology storerooms. Major refurbishments were undertaken to the school’s administration and food tech facilities.

The design, led by Chow:Hill Architects, reflects the schools commitment to sustainability, with the incorporation of timber portal frames, natural materials, high ceilings and clerestory windows for natural light and ventilation. A special feature of the build included the use of glu-lam structural timber throughout.

As part of this project, we ran a successful work experience programme on site with the school. This involved a group of students rotating to spend two weeks each at a time on site, working alongside our site staff to gain valuable construction site experience. The students completed similar activities as our apprentices which proved to be beneficial in gaining valuable real-life experience in the industry, aligning with Livingstone’s core value of identifying excellence and talent in evolving generations.

The final result is an outstanding facility that will be enjoyed by the staff and students of Ngaruawahia High School for years to come. The new buildings were officially opened and celebrated with a Karakia and Blessing on 20 June 2022.