The school's achievement in science fairs, maths contests and other inter-school projects, and its former pupils' academic and sports successes, was "outstanding", she said.
Ms Parata had the audience laughing as she put on her bright yellow-framed glasses to read from notes.
"'Do you like my Prada glasses?" she asked, then added, "Not really, they're from the $2 shop in Gisborne."
An invitation for pupils' questions regarding the $1.7m new block resulted in several about the building details, furniture and fittings, and whether the funding would cover digital learning equipment.
Ms Parata said that while the Government was prioritising digital technology in schools "there's only so much money for that"; this money was for a building. As for furniture, the school could make those decisions itself, she said.
Ms Parata told the pupils that while physical spaces like classrooms made a difference to education "the best and biggest space for learning is between your ears".
"A building itself doesn't make us learn but our discussions, our reading and research, that is learning."
Her advice to the pupils: "Get a good education because that opens up the world to you."
Ms Parata apologised to the board and trustees and staff, for "being flippant".
"I know it's been challenging and you've been waiting a long time for these things you need."
Board chairman Don Robertson thanked the minister for the $1.7m funding to ensure the school could cope with its imminent roll growth.
He said the school had lobbied long and hard for the money.
Government's $50m investment includes:
- $6.9 million for the redevelopment of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Taumarere.
- $19 million to provide a new site and buildings for TKKM o Te Tonga o Hokianga and a total of 16 new classrooms at Whangarei Girls High School, Parua Bay School and Bay of Islands International Academy.
- $14 million for the redevelopment of Northland College.
- $6 million to increase capacity at Hora Hora School.
