The sun was shining this morning and it was a beautiful day to mark the first step on our building journey. Ararira Springs Primary – Te Puna o Ararira will be located at the corner of Southfield Drive and a continuation of Russ Drive.

This morning a ceremony was held in recognition that the mauri (spirit) of the land will be disturbed during the build process. A sod of whenua (dirt) was removed and stored offsite for the duration of the build. When the build is complete the sod will be returned and the mauri restored.

Kaumatua and whanau from Te Taumutu Rūnanga led the ceremony and were joined by the Canterbury Director of Education, Coralanne Child, Cr Malcolm Lyall, members of the Establishment Board, the Southbase team and local school leaders. Hugh, son of Establishment Board member, Amanda Black, helped lift the sod. Hugh will be a foundation student in 2019.

We look forward to keeping you up to date with progress.