Ara Timaru new Trades building blessed ready for fit out 

_{Ara HOD Trades Peter Sauer speaking at the tapu-lifting ceremony}  

The tapu has been lifted on Ara Institute of Canterbury's new trades building in Timaru, which has been completed on time and on budget. 

The building’s name, Tūterakiwhanoa, has been gifted by Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua and represents the Kai Tahu ancestor who, according to pūrākau (Māori creation stories) brought habitation to Te Waipounamu (the South Island). 

Manawhenua representatives officially blessed the $2.5 million building on Friday August 16, offering a karakia whakatuwhera to signify the commencement of something new. 

The rūnganga had also performed a key role ahead of the build, instilling mauri (life force) into a special kohatu (stone) which has been embedded in the building’s foundation. A kowhai tree, which was blessed in acknowledgement of the physical resource being invested into the project will be planted at the tapu-lifting ceremony if ground conditions permit. 

Friday’s ceremony marked the transition from building site to new build – ready for fit out and the arrival of ākonga (students) in the weeks ahead. A formal opening will be held once it’s fully operational. 

At approximately 780m2, Tūterakiwhanoa replaces current facilities dating back to the 1960s. It will provide a mix of engineering spaces for activities for multiple learning streams, including gas and electric welding, lathe and machining and fabrication. 

It will allow Ara to expand its training options, provide improved space for learning and the flexibility to replace and change equipment in the future to meet the changing needs of industry. 

“It’s a move to a more contemporary learning environment, reflective of the expectation of a modern educational facility and mimicking what can be found in the workplace,” Regional Executive Director and Ara Business Division Lead Darren Mitchell said. 

“It will allow for larger class sizes to suit forecast growth with better work zones and will ultimately lead to a far better learning experience for students,” Mitchell added. 

The design and build was led by Colin Shore Builders who, having been involved since very early in the process, are credited with saving the project time and money. The project has utilised local contractors where possible including local architect John Rushton. 

The design incorporates two lean-tos to signify the peaks of Aoraki, seamlessly connecting the existing TJ and TX blocks and resulting in a shared learning precinct with opportunity for smoother workflow. 

The shapes created in the roofline provide natural light and ventilation to the centre of the building. 

Mitchell said the said the project builds on the district’s strong history in the engineering, welding and fabrication fields, based around the rural sector and the port. 

“This investment demonstrates our commitment and should bring confidence to the region around the ability students to learn in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities at a local level,” he said. 

His sentiments were echoed by Ara Head of Trades Peter Sauer who acknowledged the spiritual significance of the building and went on to thank Colin Shore Building, Rushton Architects and the Ara Project Management Office for their efforts to see it realised.  

“Tūterakiwhanoa is more than just an engineering facility; it is a symbol of our collective efforts and shared vision for the future. It will serve as a place of exchanging of knowledge, a place where minds will be challenged, skills will be honed, and careers pathways will be realised,” Sauer said.