10 new classrooms for Hora Hora Primary School

Hora Hora Primary School students gather outside the new classroom block which was officially opened. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

The name of the block of classrooms at Hora Hora Primary school is Te Manu Aute - the Maori kite - and like a kite the principal hopes all the students will fly.

The Hora Hora Primary School hall was packed with people for the opening of the new classroom block yesterday.

Guests, including Mayor Sheryl Mai, Whangarei MP Shane Reti, Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis and Northland MP Winston Peters, made up one half of the crowd and students made up the other.

"This is Plan B. Plan A was to have you all out there with the entire school but the risk of rain and a wet ground meant we're in here," principal Pat Newman said.

Students Charlotte Panui (left) and Waimarama Kaka during the the powhiri. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM.

It was a day of celebration for staff and students as the 10 new classrooms were officially opened.

The new classrooms were built to accommodate a burgeoning roll, and to replace old classrooms at the school.

Within five years the roll grew from 250 students to about 390 in 2016.

Mr Newman said the school had a rapid roll increase in 2013 and 2014 with about 100 new entrants each year.

The new two-storey building includes six shared spaces, complete with an oven, fridge, microwave and toasted sandwich maker.

The name Te Manu Aute was fitting, Mr Newman said.

"Like a Maori kite I want all of our students here at Hora Hora to fly. You get the chance to see more which is ultimately what I want you to do as your principal," he told the students.

Following the powhiri and speeches the guests and students gathered outside the classroom block.

The crowd applauded as Mr Peters unveiled the plaque and officially declared the building opened.

Afterwards students sang a waiata.