A $15.6 million project to rebuild Kawerau's new Tarawera High School officially started yesterday.
Eighteen months before the opening of the new school an official party of school and community representatives oversaw a ceremonial "turning of the soil" on the construction site of the school's new facilities.
Three stones were blessed and buried on the site representing the sea, Tarawera River and Mount Putauaki.
They were buried by four members of the official party; local MP Anne Tolley, Board of Trustees chairman Aaron Rangihika, Berice Julian and Jamaine-Jye Ratana.
Mrs Julian was the first Head Girl at Kawerau College in 1963, and Jamaine-Jye is the youngest student at Tarawera High School.
Together they represent the history of the school and after the ceremony Jamaine-Jye interviewed Ms Julian for a project on that history.
Mrs Tolley, who has been part of the process since community consultation began in 2011, represented the Government as a key speaker in the ceremony. As it was on the last sitting day of Parliament Mrs Tolley sought special dispensation to attend.
"I had to speak very, very nicely and call in a few favours with the whips. I'm very grateful that I got the opportunity to come," she said.
"It's a significant event for the Government, and for the community. Now that the stones are in the ground we can begin the building of the school and continue to build up the community."
The construction is part of an extensive rebuild, replacing about 60 per cent of the school buildings.
Mrs Tolley said most of the current facilities were about 50 years old.
"I think it's right that we have an almost complete refit ... it's absolutely essential to have access to top-notch facilities, teachers and access to education for our youngsters."
The new buildings will be built with a focus on environmental sustainability, and are to be located on a lay line running from Putuaki to Maketu on the coast. The location and orientation is intended to symbolise the school's connection with Kawerau and the local environment.
The construction, to begin in September, is expected to be completed by the end of next year.