Mana College is a state secondary school in Takapuwahia, Porirua.

The majority of its buildings are in poor condition and do not meet Ministry of Education requirements for innovative and quality learning spaces. They also don’t adequately provide for the school’s strong connections with te ao Māori, special needs students, services and gateway academies and construction school curriculum.

S&T has worked with the school to create a stunning, site-wide master plan that addresses the disconnect between cultural and administrative entrances, pedagogy and the built environment, disjointed teaching departments and a challenging, four-tiered site.

In collaboration with Ngāti Toa and the college, the concept of a spine was created. The spine is akin to a waka being pulled up onto the side of nearby Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour.

The scheme includes a new wharenui, atea, waharoa and wharekai; 10 specialist science and technology spaces; a bespoke special-needs hub (Te Whare Ako); a beautifully landscaped central spine and courtyard boarded by a community hub building and performing arts facilities; a new two-storey building providing 16 innovative learning environments; alterations and additions to the existing gymnasium; and a new outdoor, multi-sport courts and astroturf facility.

To date, the courts and astroturf facility have been completed; the gymnasium works are underway; and work has begun on preparing the site for the new technology / Te Whare Ako building (stage 1 of 5). We’re excited to work on a project that will not only enrich the lives of those at Mana College, but also those in the wider community.