‘Eco classroom’ breaks new ground

Lewis Carter, a year three student. Credit: Hamilton Press

Early on Friday, 26th June the Hukanui Primary School community in Hamilton gathered for the ‘Blessing’ of their ‘Living Room’ building site.

This was a memorable event for all those previously involved, currently involved and those who will enjoy the benefits of the Living Room project in the future.

Eddie Neha, komatua from the local community led the Blessing ceremony, followed by the turning of the sod by three students, Morgan Hopkins (student involved in the project from 2005-2008), Sarah Adeane (currently involved in the project 2007-8) and Lewis Carter a year three student who will be one of many student and community members who will enjoy the benefits of this project in the future.

Land has it’s own history. The Blessing process provides the cleansing of this history in preparation for the events of the future.

The Blessing was concluded with a waiata and students Chloe Nesbitt and Jamie-Lee Schmidt led them in the singing of the school song.

Then it was up to the staffroom to complete the Blessing by sharing some kai.

This was a wonderful time for greeting past students, families and for sharing the excitement of the building process that will follow, with all those involved.

The ecoclassroom, now named the Living Room, is set to be the first of its kind in NZ.

Students at the school have been directly involved in coming up with the concept, briefing the architect Antanas Procuta, developing the drawings, researching eco-friendly building materials and ideas, fund-raising, and selecting a project manager.

They will also take part in some of the building work, and have already held a workshop on making their own clay bricks.

More information is available on the ecoclassroom website at www.ecoclass roomnz.com