At 136 years old, Te Pāroa School has long been a central part of its community. With student numbers continuing to grow from 310 to an expected 360 students, the Kura required a significant redevelopment to modernise facilities, improve safety and create learning environments that support future generations.

Interlink Modular delivered one of its largest education projects to date, combining demolition of 8 end-of-life classrooms, permanent modular construction, refurbishment works, extensive civil upgrades and carefully managed staged delivery - all while the school remained fully operational.

The project also included 12 modular teaching spaces and extensive civil and infrastructure works to support the growing school community.

One of the biggest challenges was maintaining day-to-day school operations throughout approximately 18 months of construction. Temporary learning spaces were created throughout the programme, including the installation of a double classroom block on the school courts and the utilisation of the refurbished Whare (schoolhouse), which will be used as a functional resource moving forward.

Extensive safety fencing and carefully planned pedestrian routes were introduced across the site to improve student flow and safely separate construction activity from school operations.

Beyond creating modern learning environments, the project placed strong emphasis on reflecting the identity and stories of the local community. Cultural narratives representing the iwi will be etched into courtyard concrete areas, and custom carpeting with koru patterns have been used, creating meaningful spaces that connect students and staff to the Kura’s heritage and identity.

The result is a thoughtfully designed, future-focused education environment that balances modern learning needs with cultural identity, safety and long-term durability.

Despite the complexity of the live school environment, ageing infrastructure and staged delivery requirements, the project has transformed the Kura while allowing students and staff to continue learning throughout construction.