On 17 February we gathered for a whatu mauri — laying the mauri for the new Te Rei Puta o Te Hau (Marlborough Boys’ College) Innovation & Technology block, marking the start of construction for this kaupapa (alongside the Gym/Fitness Centre changing rooms project).

Led by Rangitāne o Wairau, our kaikarakia Paora Mackie and Will Macdonald guided the ceremony with care and in line with Rangitāne tikanga.

The mauri stones were collected by ākonga and kaimahi of Te Rei Puta o Te Hau, supported by Dr Peter Meihana (Trustee of Rangitāne o Wairau and a member of the School Board) and Keelan Walker (Trustee of Rangitāne o Wairau). Ākonga placed

the stones into the whenua — four stones gathered from, and named for, the awa that shape the school’s houses: Ōpaoa, Awatere, Wairau and Waihopai — all significant awa and areas to Rangitāne o Wairau.

These stones carry the mauri of the awa and surrounding landscapes and also hold the mauri of the young people who collected them — alongside all who stood present this morning.

We acknowledge the kōrero from Principal Jarrod Dunn and Mayor Nadine Taylor, recognising the resilience of the kura and the excitement of seeing these new facilities underway after a period of uncertainty.

This sits within a wider programme of work at the school, including site-wide infrastructure upgrades, the demolition and replacement of the technology block, refurbishment of six blocks, and landscaping works — supporting future-focused learning in technology and innovation.

As owners of the school land, Rangitāne is ahi kā / kaitiaki, and we continue to work constructively with the school as part of the rebuild.