Northland College principal Jim Luders has compared the classrooms to a "ghetto environment". Photo / Debbie Beadle
Northland College principal Jim Luders has compared the classrooms to a "ghetto environment". Photo / Debbie Beadle
A school with classrooms labelled "the worst in New Zealand" has been granted a $14 million redevelopment after a wait of more than five years.
Buildings at Northland College, a decile one school in Kaikohe, were so dilapidated the police had asked to use them for training simulations because they were similar to a "ghetto environment", principal Jim Luders said.
The school was deemed an urgent case by the Education Review Office in 2012, with a report labeling the buildings inadequate, unacceptable and "no longer safe".
Northland College preliminary design. Photo / Supplied
However subsequent report from May this year found little had been done in three years to address the issues, aside from some buildings being knocked down.
The Herald reported in June on the situation at the school, with school leaders saying they and the community were frustrated at the wait and the uncertainty around development.
Today, Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye travelled to the school to announce the redevelopment, which will cost up to $14 million and will essentially be a full rebuild.
She said she believed in the community and the announcement affirmed a strong commitment to invest in young people in Northland.
Design work was well underway and construction would start in early 2016, she said.
"This is the culmination of a complex planning and consultation process involving the Ministry, the school and the community, particularly over the last 18 months," said Ms Kaye.
The rotten ceiling of the girls' toilet in C Block. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Ms Kaye said as with any redevelopment of this scale and complexity, it had been necessary to follow proper process. This would ensure good design and quality buildings that would meet the school's vision, now and in the future, she said.
A commissioner would remain at the school and was working with the ministry to focus on health and safety, and urgent remedial work while consultation and planning for the redevelopment was carried out.
Ms Kaye said the school had a history of poor student achievement and financial management, including a lack of investment in property maintenance and renewal, which led to the buildings' bad state.
Design details showed most of the current infrastructure will be replaced with new, flexible learning spaces. Future growth to a roll of around 450, up from the current roll of around 310, will be accommodated for.
The new learning spaces would include a multipurpose gym and hall, as well as new library and technology areas.
The stairwell of C Block, where leaks have made the ceiling sag. Photo / Peter de Graaf
A swimming pool at the college was managed by the college and Far North District Council, but the redevelopment would include new changing rooms so the pool could be better used by the community.
"This is a significant investment that will ensure the college offers an environment that inspires students to succeed, and which the community can be proud of," Ms Kaye said.
The Northland College project is part of a $300 million programme to redevelop schools throughout New Zealand that have complex property issues.
