Te Kura o Kārara
Te Kura o Kārara – Wānaka Primary School
Te Kura o Take Kārara’s innovative design supports modern teaching methods while remaining practical for everyday use, setting a benchmark for future educational facilities in the region.
Te Kura o Take Kārara (formely known as the new Wānaka Primary School) marked our first major project in the Southern region outside Christchurch. With building consent issued in April 2019, the school was designed to support rapid population growth in the Wānaka area while providing modern, flexible, and sustainable learning environments.
Key information
Client | Ministry of Education |
Dates: | March 2019 – January 2020 |
Total value: | $70M |
Area: | 30,000 m² |
Architect: | Stephenson and Turner |
Total occupancy on completion: | 700 |
About the project
The school was designed around the Ministry of Education’s Innovative Learning Environments (ILEs). These spaces encourage collaborative and student-centred learning, allowing teachers to deliver a variety of teaching approaches in versatile environments.
Stage one of the school included four classroom blocks, administration areas, and a hall to accommodate 400 pupils. Stage two was designed for an additional 300 pupils, with 13 further teaching spaces. The school now supports approximately 50 staff members and offers a flexible environment that can grow with Wānaka’s community.
Our approach
We worked closely with architects, the school’s board of trustees and staff, and the Ministry of Education to develop a design centred on collaborative learning. The result is an adaptable environment that maximises learning opportunities and supports a range of learning styles and settings for children.
Sustainability was a core focus, as in all of our projects. From material selection to construction processes, sustainability was a key focus. Our team ensured the school is energy-efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible.
This project also marked our first major undertaking south of Christchurch. Despite its remote location, our Wānaka-based teams delivered the school within just ten months, showcasing our ability to manage complex projects efficiently.
From design to completion, we engaged closely with the school board, principal, and local community to ensure the school met educational needs while supporting practical considerations, such as parking for cars, cycles, and scooters.
Te Kura o Kārara demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable education facilities on time and within budget.