School earmarked for demolition

Frequent vandalism damage at Waverley High School has meant it will be demolished by October.

Waverley High School which shut in April 2007 will be pulled down.

The school has been the target of vandalism and theft and will be demolished over the next two months.

Ministry of Education spokesman Kim Shannon said experience had shown that most former school buildings were not versatile enough to be of much interest for other potential users.

By demolishing or removing buildings from closed school sites cut down opportunities for vandalism and reduced security costs and maintenance costs, which saved the taxpayer money, she added.

The former high school had been in limbo while the ministry was making the decision on the land at the school.

It had been going through the Public Works Act disposal process that applies to all Crown land that is no longer needed, she said.

"As the former school buildings are in poor condition, we are arranging for most of them to be removed or demolished, with the exception of the former Maori studies classrooms and the school house. The Maori studies classrooms will be moved to a local marae, and the school house will remain.

"Those buildings due for demolition will be recycled for building parts where possible."

Ms Shannon said the ministry was considering tenders for the demolition work.

"We expect the work will take place in September or October. We have discussed our plans with the South Taranaki District Council and local community board representatives."

In an earlier story in the Chronicle, Associate Minister of Education Nikki Kaye said over the years the ministry had spent additional money securing and clearing parts of the site, and had changed the security arrangements which had included daily visits by local citizens' security patrols.

Patea Community Board chairman and senior constable in Waverley, Brian Rook, said it was good to see the old school was to be demolished at last.

"It was sad in the first case that the ministry closed the school but it was a financial decision so the town just had to get used to it.

"But the ministry had made no real attempt to secure the school. They had just let it lie and continue to be an eyesore."

The vandalism and theft at the school had resulted in community security teams being set up, he said. "The school has been patrolled most nights by members of the community and this has really helped.

"We can't be everywhere and we really needed the community's help."

Mr Rook said the school was situated on a beautiful piece of land which would be sold by the end of the year.

"I believe there are negotiations under way."