Nuhaka School

Following the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, Nuhaka School faced the enormous task of rebuilding its school buildings and playground. Flood damage forced the demolition of almost every school building, with students relocating to temporary facilities for more than a year while their school was rebuilt.

At the heart of this rural community, Nuhaka School is much more than a place of learning. It provides one of the only public play spaces in the area, serving as a gathering place for local whānau long after the school bell rings. Before the cyclone, families regularly met there outside school hours, and restoring this space became an important part of rebuilding the community.

Working alongside Nuhaka School, we delivered a new playground that provides a safe, compliant and engaging place for students to play, connect and learn through play. More than just a school playground, it has restored an important community space where children and whānau can come together once again.

As the principal reflected, since the school was rebuilt, "the community has been given its heart back." She regularly sees families arrive on weekends with picnic blankets, spending the day beneath the large trees while children play. The school grounds have once again become a place where the community can gather, connect and create new memories together.