Tereora College Redevelopment Project

The fruition of a special relationship between the New Zealand and Cook Islands Governments was celebrated yesterday morning with the official opening and handover ceremony of Stage 1 of the Tereora College Redevelopment Plan. Staff, students, stakeholders, landowners and the wider community gathered to celebrate this milestone in the presence of Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Two buildings were presented; the Technology Centre and Student Research/Administration building. The Technology Centre is a hub for technology and creativity. It houses Design and Visual Communications (DVC), Construction and Mechanics (commonly known as woodwork and metalwork) Food, Digital and Textile facilities. The Student Research Centre and Administration building is the heart of the College. In addition to providing tutorial spaces, support services, administration offices and a library, the building houses a Seminar room – the first of its kind in the country. These buildings, complimented by a selection of vibrant and ergonomic furniture, will facilitate innovative learning and teaching practices.

The buildings are a testament of the growing capability of Cook Islanders to undertake projects of this scale. Construction began in November 2016 and was carried out by local contractor, Landholdings Ltd. The company teamed with other local service providers including; Raro Plumbing and Drainage Contractors Ltd, Andersons Electrical, RK George Electrical, Cook Islands Steel Industries Ltd, Nikao Beach Sheetmetal and CITC Building Centre. When requested, representatives from Te Aponga Uira, Bluesky Cook Islands and Infrastructure Cook Islands were onsite to identify the location of existing services. This approach reemphasizes the company’s philosophy – to include as many Cook Islanders, traders and service providers as possible and to harness their local knowledge and expertise.

The new buildings incorporate climate adaptation and mitigation measures where feasible. Large french windows on the Technology Centre allow maximum natural ventilation through general learning areas. These windows are easier to clean and work better to contain cool air within rooms fitted with air con units. Ceiling fans support the circulation of fresh air and louvered clerestory windows and wind-driven ventilators help expel hot air. A combination of french, awning and sliding windows are installed on the Student Research Centre and Administration building to suit the functions and performance needs of each space while providing security against wind-driven rain, maximum natural light entry and line-of-sight for monitoring student movements.

Cultural acknowledgement has always been an important aspect of this redevelopment. Three (3) parts of the school are decorated with a timber façade, each inspired by a Polynesian motif that is symbolic of the functions of the respective buildings. The pattern used around the Technology Center was inspired by the ‘weave’ – a traditional form of technology and creativity. Outside the library is a pattern indicative of pages of a book. The pattern used on the western face of the Student Research Center and Administration building was inspired by a ‘spear’ – a symbol of leadership. These unique features also function as shading devices and security barriers when maintenance is required. Precast panels that shelter the Seminar room are indented with an abstract representation of sails on a vaka - symbolising the journey of knowledge. For a seminar room this theme is fitting given that the presenter is transferring knowledge to an audience which then ripples to the community.

Redevelopment of the College and the delivery of Stage 1, being New Zealand’s 50th anniversary gifts to the Cook Islands, was designed and built by Cook Islanders for Cook Islanders. The Project Management Unit comprises of Project Managers, Architects, Designers and Engineers from CIIC’s Special Projects Unit and Calibre Consulting (NZ). The redevelopment plan was approved by Cabinet in February 2016 with the support of the staff and students of the College, landowners and the community. The College buildings and facilities are on track to becoming fit-for-purpose and responsive to the demands for innovative learning environments that support the evolving learning and teaching practices.

Meitaki Maata to all those who were involved in making this dream a reality.

Plans for the official handover ceremony of the Tereora College Redevelopment Plan (Stage 1) are underway. Prime Minister of New Zealand, Right Honourable Jacinda Adern, will make her first official visit to the island in March to make the presentation.

PM Ardern visting Cooks next month New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern will be paying an official visit to the Cook Islands from March 6 to 8, PM Henry Puna confirmed yesterday ...

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Tereora College Redevelopment Project Infrastructure that supports the outcomes of the Education Master Plan, the aspirations of Tereora College, the community, and the Cook Islands as a whole.

Many gathered this morning to witness the blessing of two new buildings that will enable greater learning opportunities for Cook Islanders – a Technology Centre and Student Research Centre/Administration building. The redevelopment came to life following New Zealand’s pledge by former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon John Key of up to $11.7 million. The pledge was made on August 4th 2015 during the Cook Islands celebration of 50 years of independence in free association with New Zealand. It was a beautiful celebration of the special relationship cultivated by the Cook Islands and New Zealand governments, and a testament of the growing capability of Cook Islanders to undertake a project of this scale.

Invitations have been distributed! Next Wednesday, the 31st of January 2018, Stage 1 of the Tereora College Redevelopment Plan will be unveiled. Watch this space :-)

Maintenance is key if we want a building to serve its purpose (and end-users) well into the future. It’s for this reason that training was held for those responsible for the upkeep of Tereora College. Subcontractors involved in the construction offered basic tips for the maintenance and repair of electrical and mechanical equipment, windows and doors and so forth. Before the academic year kicks off, another session will be held for all staff so they too are well informed about who to contact if in doubt.

A study space inside the library has open views to the newly formed green space that is perfect for outdoor or recreational activities. The area used to serve as a drive through for vehicles and drop off zone for buses. Vehicular access has been relocated to the western boundary, isolating the green space and improving line of sight between the new and existing buildings. At least we’ll have the Kuru (breadfruit) tree to remind us of what used to be.