Good things come to those who wait, just ask the pupils and teachers at Maniototo Area School.

The school in Ranfurly has undergone a transformation over the past year, with some of the school's buildings making way for a new build - the latest being a block of senior classrooms.

Forty pupils and six teachers will benefit from the latest stage of the development.

Maniototo Area School principal Joe Ferdinands said students from Years nine to 13 were enjoying the new and comfortable learning setting.

“The heat pumps are such a blessing.

"It all adds up to a conducive learning environment.”

 The interior of the new block of senior classrooms features bright carpet and excellent heating. PHOTO: Breens

The project work continues as initial preparation has begun for the administration and library block, the third stage of the project and the next area to be built. 

“Soon, the demolition of the old senior learning centre and the old art room will begin.

"That [will] make way for the construction of the new junior block.

“We hope to be shifting into our admin and junior block at the start of the 2023 academic year.”

Joe said a great thing about young people was their ability to adapt well to changing situations.

“All the construction work going on around them is no different.

"The students simply get on with what needs to be done.”

In a Facebook post Breens, who is managing the project, said the project was expected to take about two and a half years to complete.

The rebuild of the school is now more than halfway through the process.  

 Breens team working on site for the Maniototo Area School rebuild project. Two stages of the four stage project have been completed. PHOTO: Breens

Joe said the Covid-19 situation was also "ever present" for the school community. 

“We are always watchful and mindful of everyone's health."

While school is going on as normal, the staff, students, parents and caregivers were ready to shift to the next gear when required, he said.

"There is a lot of support and understanding from our parents and wider community.”

The Maniototo Public Library, which neighbours the school's classrooms, would not be affected by the new build, Central Otago District Council Mayor Tim Cadogan said, via his Facebook live video on Monday.

“I wasn’t part of the council when it was last mooted to shift the Maniototo library, but I think there is still some scars from when that happened … it’s not the intention at all.

"In fact, there’s plans to refurbish the library and make it a bit better.”