This attractive two storied classroom block was erected in stages between 1926 and the 1950s - from the start the building was designed to be extended to accommodate growing student numbers.
The first portion constructed was the southern end incorporating four classrooms (two on each floor) and a number of other smaller rooms including a temporary teachers room. The 1926 portion was designed by noted government architect John Thomas Mair, and the original plans are held by Archives New Zealand (see attached images; sheet 1, sheet 2 and sheet 3).
Construction of the first major additions were begun in 1940, these followed a similar style to the original portion and were designed by the Public Works Department, architect unknown. These additions included the third bay (from the south) and the central main entrance bay. On the ground floor this included another classroom, principal's office and reception area, whilst a further classroom and library were included on the first-floor. Copies of some of these plans are held by Archives New Zealand (see attached images: sheet 1, sheet 2, sheet 3 and sheet 4).
Further additions to the north and west have resulted in an impressive building with a simple but attractive symmetrically composed frontage.
In late-2018 and early-2019 the building was surrounded by scaffolding and shrink-wrap to enable earthquake strengthening and roof replacement.
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