The new year will bring the opening of the newly constructed Wakatipu High School at Remarkables Park. The new facility is part of the Public Private Partnership 2 project, which includes the maintenance and construction of four new schools across New Zealand.

The new school has been designed to provide an innovative learning environment, complete with a theatre, recording studio and aerobics room, and is expected to be able to house up to 1800 students once completed.

The school will have an open plan layout, with the principal no longer having his own office. The layout will allow teachers and the principal to be readily approachable for communication with each other and students.

The keys to the new two-storey school are due to be handed over to the principal Steve Hall on December 22, where he will be hosting a media opening inviting media and locals to view the new school prior to its official opening for the start of the school year in 2018.