Classroom renovations taking place at Ōtūmoetai Primary School are on the home stretch.

Principal Zara McIndoe said construction work began in May, when builders opened up a can of worms while looking into the walls of classrooms. Wall framing, cladding, roofs and gutters needed replacing. In total, five classrooms and the school hall were being worked on, said McIndoe.

On track for completion by the end of this year, the work will ensure students and teachers can welcome the new year in warm and safe classrooms, said McIndoe.

The Ministry of Education is funding the weathertight remediation work, while fundraising efforts by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and funds from the board of trustees (BOT) will cover planned sports and safety improvements at the school.

McIndoe said a new bell, intercom system, and air conditioning units were being installed, with new lighting and security cameras to improve safety after school hours.

Construction at Ōtūmoetai Primary School involves replacing wall framing, cladding, roofs and gutters. Photo / Brydie Thompson

Ōtūmoetai Primary School’s top sports court will be resurfaced in November. Piping has already been laid under the current court, but the new Laykold Hardcourt Surface can only be laid in warmer weather.

The temperature has to be at least 10C and rising during installation, hence the need to wait until summer, McIndoe said. Custom netball and basketball hoops will be installed at the same time.

Louis Te Wheoro, 8, said he and his basketball team, Thunder, usually play on the sports turf.

The current hoops on the top sports court are too high. But Louis and his friends, Flynn Bart, 9, and Mason Edkins, 9, said they still score goals.

Louis Te Wheoro, 8, Flynn Bart, 9, and Mason Edkins, 9, enjoy one of their last chances to play basketball on the top sports court before it's resurfaced. Photo / Brydie Thompson

“Ōtūmoetai Primary School have a large number of children involved in netball and basketball for all ages. The hoops will be able to cater for different age groups due to being height adjustable,” McIndoe said.

Improvements to the sports facilities will create a “more visually appealing sports area”. Primer, epoxy and Bond Kote will be used to seal the new surface and promote adhesion.

Thanks to security cameras and a new spotlight overlooking the top court and neighbouring playground, the court will be available for the community to use night and day, McIndoe said.

Ōtūmoetai Primary principal Zara McIndoe wants the school to be "accessible for the community to use". Photo / Brydie Thompson

“The community already uses the court on the weekend and after school hours. We like to have a school that can be accessible for the community to use.”

She said Ōtūmoetai Primary School has done a lot of property upgrading in the past seven years, including a canopy dome over the astro turf added last year.

Teachers have used other spaces, like the art and music room, as substitute classrooms during ongoing construction, said McIndoe.

“We extend our sincerest gratitude to our amazing BOT and PTA for their unwavering support and commitment to our school.”