Rebuilding helps erase explosion memories

A Kaitaia College metalwork classroom badly damaged in an explosion last month will be replaced after the Government gave the school $848,000 to rebuild its technology block.

A school spokesman said said students, teachers and management were delighted they were to get a new technology block.

The cash injection would allow the school to move on from memories of the April 11 explosion.

Six students and a teacher were taken to hospital after an explosion near the back of the metalwork class.

The force of the blast embedded some tools in a wall and blackboard.

A Fire Service investigation found a welding torch valve had been left open and that acetylene gas had accidentally ignited.

However, Occupational Safety and Health has not finished its own investigation and has not confirmed the Fire Service finding.

Kaitaia College deputy principal John Paitai said the school was thrilled with the funding.

The school had little money left in its maintenance budget to repair the 60-year-old block - let alone replace it.

"It's certainly helped to alleviate anxiety about how we're going to replace what we've got left."

The school had been wanting to replace the technology block, which houses three classrooms, for the past 10 years.

The decision as to when to start rebuilding would be discussed at the college's next board of trustees meeting on June 21.

Te Tai Tokerau MP Dover Samuels, who announced the funding on Friday, was given a booklet written by the students and teacher injured in the blast about their experience.

- NZPA