School project finally finished

After five years of planning and construction, Tomarata Primary School finally cut the ribbon to officially open four new classrooms on August 25.

The $2 million build was done to replace two classrooms that were demolished in 2015 due to leaks and mould.

A new toilet block and two extra classrooms were included to cater for roll growth, as reviewed by the Ministry of Education, which funded the project.

Principal Lynne Duffin says the finished product is a block of warm and spacious rooms with modern technologies for students Years 4 to 8.

“There are large TVs in every room, cupboards that serve as charging stations for devices and walls that provide display space and soundproofing,” Lynne says.
Interior sliding doors mean that the four rooms can be opened up into two larger classrooms.

The construction started in August last year and also required an electrical upgrade.
Since 2015, students have been working out of the school hall and then the library due to the school roll reaching 161 pupils.

Northland MP Winston Peters was present at the opening and was impressed with the new facilities.

Mr Peters says there are a number of schools across the country that are facing a lack of resources to meet roll growth.

Tomarata has also recently completed a roof upgrade to other rooms and a drainage project.

Future projects include a library upgrade with a deck, an extension to the undercover area by the outdoor stage and landscaping.