Students at Te Puke High School will soon have an alternative stage to take to. The new outdoor stage is alongside the area used for the horticulture and technology programmes and close to the kitchen used by food technology classes.

Facing it is terraced seating. There are two final steps required before the project is finished, according to Te Puke High School technology teacher Matt Park.

A shade structure had been designed. Park was confident it could be built with sponsorship, and Seeka had indicated it would be willing to support its construction. But for the second step, Park is asking for the community’s input. As part of a junior technology project, students have designed a covering for the stage which has been put together by covering upturned kiwifruit bins.

Need skills, expertise

The concept designs are some way off from being final, practical working drawings, said Park.

“We thought it might be quite nice [for the community], if there was anyone out there who might like to either judge it or bring some expertise as an architect or designer – somebody who can look at what the kids have done and, if we chose one, hopefully we can look ahead to maybe going ahead and building it.”

He said someone with engineering or drafting experience may want to and be able to help “make a design work”.

“The kids have got some really good drawings and pictures, but in terms of making them work… We are wondering if there might be someone in the community who might want to share some of their skills or expertise and to establish a connection with the school.”

The terrace has been built to accommodate up to 220 students, said Park.

“That’s either an entire year level or a house and it was [designed] for exactly that reason.”

Park said there weren’t many other places in the school where that number of students could be accommodated.

There’s the hall, which is often in use and at this time of year was unavailable due to being used for exams, or the gym, which necessitates sitting on the floor.

“So it’s [suitable] for anything that’s year level or house level, house group meetings or performances – that sort of thing.”

Next term

Park said he hoped the shade cover could be put up during the upcoming holidays and the stage and terraced area could be in use next term.

“It will be nice to bring in people into this space.”

Year 12 students and the business community combined on the building of a fence with gates between the terracing and the horticulture area.

This work was part of their NCEA assessment and the majority of the timber was supplied by PukePine, said Park. Overlooking the terrace and stage, a site had been earmarked for a building to house technical equipment for a radio station and to create podcasts.

Anyone who might be able to assist with the project was asked to call the school on 07 573 9769.