Prime Minister John Key opens the Heart of Marsden

Prime Minister John Key opened Samuel Marsden Collegiate School’s new building Te Manawa o te Kura in May. Invited guests, students and staff packed the auditorium to witness this special moment in Marsden’s history. Featuring beautiful music from handbells, choir and orchestra, the girls sang their hearts out, heralding the opening of the new heart of the School.

James Johnston, Chairman of the Management Board, talked about the brave decision the Board made to demolish the old earthquake prone Main Block and replace it with a building safe and fit for 21st century learning. Principal Jenny Williams was “excited to gift this building to current students, staff, and generations of girls to come”. The Prime Minister spoke warmly and personally, particularly to students, about his humble beginnings, setting goals and not being afraid of failure. He reminded them that education was the very best thing they could do to help themselves achieve their goals. 

The plaque was unveiled, and the cake was cut by Head Girl Nina Richardson and Sai Parekh from Year 1. The official party followed Bishop Justin and arch deacon Steven King as they blessed the new foyer and then it was a chance for everyone to have a good look at the new building.

Designed by Athfield Architects, it is finished inside with natural wood, pops of colour, work spaces and study nooks, with an extensive green vista, providing a peaceful space for collaborative work and independent research and preparation.  Connecting the school from end to end the new building takes Marsden from the past into the future, while retaining links to the schools’ long history with the restored Honours’ Board and retention of the original 1926 entrance. Modelled on best practice work places, the Learning Studios are already loved by our students and recently housed a hugely successful workshop for nearly 30 Wellington Primary students by acclaimed NZ Artist and the 2016 Marsden Artist in Residence Michel Tuffery.