A new build project has started at Onslow, right in the heart of the college.
In the past couple of weeks, contractors broke ground in Onslows ‘quad’ for the start of a new Whare. In preparation for this construction, Onslow College hosted a very significant event last Friday morning, the Aho Tāngaengae or Whare Blessing.
The Aho Tāngaenga involved Karakia by Te Whatanui Winiata, Chair of Taranaki Whānui ki te Ūpoko o Te ika (PNBST) trust, and the blessing of a mouri stone, which was then buried under where the new Whare will sit. The mouri stone will provide spiritual support in the construction of the whare, and will remain as a spiritual connection between the whare and the spiritual realm. The Whare will not only be a space for the Onslow College community but the wider Johnsonville community. A truly historical occasion, and finally, a build project that is taking off!
Our guests included representatives from mana whenua, the Onslow School Board, local MP Greg O’Connor, Ministry of Education representatives, whānau, staff and students.
The Whare is due to be completed late 2025.
Nō reira, ā tērā tau, ka tū tō tātou whare hou. He whare manakaki tauira, he whare whakahaumaru hapori, he whare whakapiri i a tātou katoa.
‘Therefore, next year, our new whare will stand. A whare of supporting students, a whare that protects our community, a whare that brings us all together.’
