The Main Block is an amazing example of what can be achieved through a strong partnership between government and schools!
Friday 7 February provided an opportunity to thank those who have delivered a wonderful outcome for the boys of CBHS. The advantage of the strong moral purpose of state, boys’ education drove this project, and everyone involved can feel a great sense of pride and gratitude.
Quite rightly the Ministry of Education’s Property Team were thanked for their resolute, transparent and fair leadership of the project and their engagement of Southbase Construction and Athfield Architects was significant to the project’s success. Other key players in the Main Block’s restoration were Christchurch Electrical, Becca, Lewis Bradford and RDT Pacific.
From CBHS’ end Deputy Principal Craig Dunnett has ensured that the operational focus and delivery focus was always on what was best for our boys while successive Boards of Trustees and the Headmaster have interacted assertively and positively with the MOE.
At the opening Craig Dunnett described the interface between new and old. Board Chair Michael Singleton described the complementary narratives represented in the school. These stories being from Ngai Tūāhuriri and links to Pūtaringamotu, the line from the Stain Glass Window through to the WWII Memorial Doors and WWI Memorial Shrine and the perpendicular access from the Pare to the Old Boys Quad.
Headmaster, Nic Hill, recounted the 1926 Main Block opening noting the similarity of sentiment and purpose in 1926 and 2025 and before declaring the Main Block reopened said that:
The people who have led and supported CBHS have endowed advantages on this school, its staff and boys. Our role is to be grateful not entitled and use these advantages for the better of our community.
After the unveiling of a new plaque and a rendition of the School Waiata those present met on the front steps to recreate a photo from 1926.
