Planning for the Future

A New Direction for Marlborough Girls’ College

Kia ora whānau,

As you may know, the decision was made last year to discontinue the Te Tātoru o Wairau (TToW) co-location project. While this marked a change in direction, it also gave us the opportunity to refocus on the future of Marlborough Girls’ College as a standalone school – and how we can best meet the needs of our students, staff and wider community.

In response, the Ministry of Education shared an initial proposal for Capital Works at our school. We asked for a full master plan to be developed – one that would ensure any building work aligns with our long-term goals and reflects who we are and what we stand for.

Our Māori Student Voice, Māreikura Nepia, and Student Representative, Jess Curzon, on our board have been involved in the design and drafting of the document and stated, “we’ve got everything we asked for, the plans will truly create an inclusive space for all.”

Our Identity: Te Heru ō Te Hau

As part of this process, we’ve been working closely with Arthouse and Toa to ensure cultural values and identity remain central to the design of our school. The name gifted to us by mana whenua – Te Heru ō Te Hau – has been confirmed as part of this new direction. A heru is a decorative comb worn in the hair, symbolising strength, pride and connection. We’re proud to carry this name forward.

What’s Ahead – A Staged Approach to Redevelopment

We’re excited to announce that we are moving forward with essential works to create a modern, safe and a connected learning environment. The priority works package has been agreed with the Ministry of Education to meet the current funding envelope and focus on our most urgent needs.

We’re moving forward with key redevelopment works to modernise our campus and improve facilities for students and staff. Below are the projects in priority order:

• Infrastructure and Compliance:

  • Upgrades to boilers, fire alarms, security systems, and Three Waters services.

• Old Library:

  • Demolition of extensions to the original building and allocation of Library SPG elsewhere on the site.

  • Compliance upgrades (including potential lift requirements).

  • Roof and skylight works, along with internal acoustic and cosmetic upgrades.

• C Block – Major Redevelopment:

  • Refurbishment to incorporate technology spaces on the ground floor.

  • Demolition of the existing toilet area to create new learning spaces.

  • Lift installation and asbestos removal, as required.

  • Upgrades to meet NIK standards and potential opening of adjacent teaching spaces.

• B Block – Major Redevelopment:

  • Demolition of the existing toilet area and upgrades to internal spaces.

  • Asbestos removal and compliance work as required.

  • Possible opening of adjacent teaching spaces, with plans for a central cultural courtyard.

• A Block – Light Refurbishment:

  • Light refurbishment to staff facilities, including toilet upgrades and painting.

  • Future intention to consolidate admin functions for improved efficiency.

• Horticulture:

  • Replacement of existing horticulture facilities following the installation of the hockey turf.

  • New shed and relocation of existing prefab building (slated for future demolition).

• Current OMB Library:

  • Repurposing the current library space as general learning spaces once the new library is relocated.

• Future Demolition:

  • Demolition of F, K, O, P, Q, and R Blocks once decanting spaces are no longer needed, following the horticulture works.

These priority projects will help us deliver a more modern, functional, and connected campus, with a focus on enhancing the learning experience for all students.

While the scope of priority works in the redevelopment is fully funded by the Ministry of Education, future scopes of work will rely on a combination of the school’s property funding entitlements under the Ministry’s Five Year Agreement (5YA), its 10 Year Property Plan (10YPP), and additional funding generated through local fundraising efforts.

Strong Planning for a Stronger Future

Marlborough Girls’ College Board Chair Anna Straker says the development of the master plan reflects the care and foresight shown by the school’s leadership.

“Mary-Jeanne Lynch and the senior leadership team have done a fantastic job using Ministry of Education funding to shape a thoughtful 10-year master plan. It’s been a collaborative process with iwi, and you can see their aspirations reflected throughout. It’s an exciting step forward for our whole school community.”

We look forward to keeping you updated as work progresses. Thank you for your ongoing support as we build the future of Marlborough Girls’ College – Te Heru ō Te Hau.