New look school has Tongariro buzzing

By HAYLEY BARNETT in Turangi
Tongariro Area School students and staff are making the most of some new developments.

The Turangi school's side entrance, on Waipapa Rd, was officially finished three weeks ago. The former Turangi Primary School adventure playground was also moved on site with a new colourful look, and the Early Childhood Centre is well on its way.

Principal Keith McKenzie said Tongariro Area School is nearly complete.

"There are still some upgrades to be done," he said.

"Everything will hopefully be completed for the new school year."

After waiting months for a Government reply to a funding submission, the school's Establishment Board has been told it would receive $2.2 million.

It was made available after an independent report was carried out on the school, commissioned by the Ministry of Education, in March.

The board was delighted with the decision.

"We're pretty happy with the result," said board chairman John Hura.

"It's now just a matter of getting on with it. The roofing is a major ... and so is getting the tech block upgraded.

"Those would be the biggest issues."

Other upgrades include the art block and the transformation of the Turangi Primary School's hall and library.

The board had the two buildings shifted to the new school at the end of last term.

Mr Hura said the idea is to turn the old hall into a canteen and the library into a senior common room. The former Turangi Primary shelter will also be moved on to the school site before next year.

The school was under fire earlier this year when parents of its students called in Occupational Safety and Health.

The parents said the school was unfinished with leaks and inadequate resources, claiming it was not a safe learning environment for their children.

The school was established from the amalgamation of Turangi's primary, middle and high schools at the start of this year.

Mr McKenzie spoke out about the claims and said the development of the school was severally underfunded.

Although the new funding will help with further developments, Mr Hura said the school is still keeping a close eye on the budget.

"We still have to watch the pennies.

"It would be irresponsible if we didn't. It's about doing what's best for the school and the community."