Please read the following overview and Ministry of Education Media Release regarding the Temporary relocation of Waitaha Transition Programme Hub.

Temporary relocation of Waitaha Transition Programme Hub

In late 2023 it was identified by the Ministry of Education that Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School was approximately 8 learning spaces over capacity based on our current and projected roll. As a result, the Ministry identified the building that we call “A” Block, Rooms 7-8 & Old Office Spaces, as surplus to requirements and as a result de-commissioned these buildings. 

In layman’s terms, decommissioning a building means that the building can be demolished, moved or repurposed for another project as decided by the Ministry of Education.

Through this process, the Board of Trustees and Senior Management highlighted that this building was used by current staff and students for several worthwhile learning purposes. The Ministry reviewed our request to continue to use the building under its current function and capacity, however, it was decided that a greater need across the education sector was a priority.

As a result, it was communicated with the Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School Board of Trustees that the A Block building will be used for the Temporary relocation of Waitaha Transition Programme Hub. 

Once this decision was made and communicated to the Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School Board of Trustees, under our E Tū Tāngata mindset of “Others Matter” we began the initial discussions with the MOE and Waitaha School.  Our shared aim is now to achieve a successful transition of the building and the staff and students of Waitaha, who will be using this building within our school environment.

Below is a copy of a Media Release provided by the Ministry of Education.

MEDIA RELEASE – Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School

Temporary relocation of Waitaha Transition Programme Hub

Diversity is highly respected at Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School, and as such we would like to announce our collaboration with the Ministry of Education to support Waitaha’s Transition Programme.

We anticipate welcoming the Waitaha Transition Programme within the next 12 months, and planning is currently underway to make A Block (Rooms 7-8 & Old Office Spaces) available until their purpose-built facility is complete.

Currently based at the Rolleston Rugby Football Club, the Waitaha Transition Programme enables approximately 26 students (usually aged 17-21) to access a range of opportunities and experiences which help prepare them to develop and achieve their best life plan when they leave school.

The programme is multi-faceted and includes eg:

• Practical and theory components contributing towards an NZQA certificate in Skills for Living

• internal and external work experience with specific goals

• the development of, and engagement in, internships with local businesses in the Rolleston community.

This change is exciting for both school communities, as it provides many mutually beneficial education opportunities.

We will keep you up to date on the project, including the work required to make this space fit for purpose and expected timeframes.

Additional Points of Note.

* The Ministry of Education Property team, in consultation with Waitaha School & Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School, will make the necessary internal and external changes to ensure that the building meets the learning needs of the students and is a stand-alone building, separate from the rest of the Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School (eg. fencing etc….).

* Although on the same site, the Waitaha Transition Programme Hub will run independently from Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School.

* Both schools will continue to provide the same level of staffing and supervision based on Ministry of Education Guidelines and the Health and Safety requirements of students from both learning sites.

* As stated above the Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School Board of Trustees will keep updating our community regarding timeframes and other important elements of this project as information comes to hand.

* Any further questions can be emailed to Gordon Narbey, Chairperson Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School – chairperson@rolleston.school.nz

Many thanks

Simon Moriarty (Principal)

Gordon Nareby (BOT Chairperson)