Golden Bay High School rebuild

Our Nelson team headed to Tākaka to complete a series of infrastructure upgrades, the construction of new facilities, refurbishments to existing buildings and site-wide landscaping at Golden Bay High School. We had ECI involvement from the planning stages to consult on the design, budget, resourcing and iwi/community engagement, then delivered the work in stages over two-and-a-half-years.

Central to the project were two impressive new blocks, each spanning 750sqm. One houses nine learning spaces, while the other features a whare wānganga, library, whare kai and administration unit. These functional spaces embrace an in-depth cultural narrative, showcasing kōwhaiwhai patterns by well-known local artist Robin Slow on fascia boards, steelwork, glass, joinery and LVL beams. The intricate artwork details the history of Golden Bay/Mohua and the school, crafted to the highest standards of quality by our dedicated team.

We also modernised and reconfigured the existing buildings inside and out, including the gym, hall and specialist teaching facilities, complete with services upgrades, new transformers and a new heating system.

Our site team found creative solutions for limited local options for recycling, major plant and labour, alongside managing both location and pandemic-related supply chain issues. We endeavoured to become a valued part of the community, taking part in fundraising events, organising donations of excess building and demolition materials, working with the art department on a mural for the site hoardings, and hosting students for work experience.