$15m revamp for Mana College
Porirua’s Mana College’s major revamp just got $6 million bigger.
More than $15m will now be spent on a redevelopment project that will see a new library, administration block and classrooms built at the school.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins made the announcement yesterday, saying the college had put up with tired and leaky buildings for too long.
The announcement includes a $9m pledge made last year by the former Government.
The redevelopment was part of the Government’s regeneration project for Porirua City; a $1.5 billion plan that should see 2000 state houses renovated and KiwiBuild homes built in its eastern suburbs.
About 900 state houses in western Porirua – where the college is located – would be redeveloped by local iwi Nga¯ ti Toa.
Hipkins said more investment was needed as the school’s roll was expected to continue growing as housing was developed locally.
Plans for the decile 2 college would also see 21 classrooms demolished and 17 larger ‘‘flexible spaces’’ built, he said.
Following the announcement, Mana College principal John Murdoch awarded Hipkins an ‘‘achievers tie’’ – regarded as a symbol of excellence for students.
‘‘Given your work in the education field, I think you qualify.’’
Built in 1957 on land gifted by Nga¯ ti Toa, Mana College was the first secondary school in Porirua and its students deserved decent classrooms, Murdoch said. ‘‘We’ll have a performing arts centre, a huge cafeteria and a community hub not only for the school but the community as well.’’