Firefighters have successfully contained a major fire at Taupō-nui-a-Tia College, though more than 1,100 students will be unable to start their school year tomorrow after the blaze seriously damaged the school's N block this afternoon.
The fire was first reported just after 2pm.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson confirmed that crews have stopped the fire spreading to neighbouring structures, though by 6.30pm the building looked to be beyond salvaging.
The block contained around 10 classrooms used for Maths, English, Tourism, Hospitality and French as well as the Bay Trust Centre, a staffed hub which houses the central student rest rooms, sick bay and large bag storage.
"Multiple volunteer and career crews from Lake Taupō, Taupō, Kinloch, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Greerton, Tauranga, Turangi, and Kaingaroa are responding," the Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.
"Firefighters were able to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring structures. Crews have multiple hose lines set up and are attacking the fire externally from all sides of the building."
The college posted a statement on its Facebook page confirming the closure: "School will be closed Monday 9 February as a result of the N block fire. Please do not come onsite."
Taupō District Mayor John Funnell described the timing as devastating for the school community.
"Indeed, it is terrible. It's Sunday afternoon before school starts for the year. And I understand a little bit over 1,100 students will be impacted tomorrow," he said.
"From what I saw when I biked past, there's quite a bit of devastation to a number of the buildings there. So it is going to have a lasting impact."
Mayor Funnell said the council is offering assistance where possible, though the college is still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Taupō Member of Parliament Louise Upston called the news “devastating” in a social media post on Sunday afternoon and said she was thinking of all in the local community.
In an interview with LakeFM’s Jesse Archer Sunday evening Upston said that she had been in touch with the Minister of Education getting updates from the ministry and had been in contact via text with the principal
“It's a devastating event for our community, and it will be a challenging time in the next few days. Fire and Emergency New Zealand have been on site, and the first things that need to happen are safety evaluations of the buildings, both for damage, and there'll also be a review for asbestos,” she said.
“Some buildings will have smoke damage, so that needs to be assessed as well. And so for that reason, the school is closed Monday and Tuesday.”
The Ministry of Education had been working on the ground to assess the damage and make a plan, she said.
“I just do want to reassure the community that this is being dealt with, with a high degree of input. I've been in contact with the Ministry of Education, and the Minister is well aware… to make sure that we provide all the support we possibly can.”
Taupō District Council has urged the public to avoid the area while emergency services continue their response. Traffic management and cordons have been put in place near the school, and motorists are being asked to take alternative routes rather than driving past the school on Spa Road.
The fire will bring back sad memories for some former students who attended the college in the 1980s.
In 1983 fire damaged the N (or Nelson) block, then used for Science, Maths and Social Studies, though the building structure was largely saved and a rebuilding programme had the block back up and running part of the way through the following year.
Taupō-nui-aTia College principal Ben Claxton released the following early Monday morning:
A significant fire at the school has caused substantial damage to parts of the site. At this stage, the school will be closed for the next two days while a full assessment is completed and the site is made safe.
The wellbeing of our students and staff is our absolute priority. Our focus is on ensuring everyone is supported and on minimising disruption to our school community.
We are working closely with the Ministry of Education and emergency services as we assess the damage and plan our next steps.
We understand this will be unsettling for families, and we are grateful for the understanding, support and care being shown across our community. We will continue to keep students, staff and families informed as more information becomes available.
