A $15.6 million redevelopment of new facilities at Tarawera High School is underway in Kawerau following a ceremony to mark the start of construction today.

About 60 per cent of the school's existing buildings will be replaced with state-of-the-art facilities.

About 60 per cent of the school's buildings will be replaced.

Associate education minister Nikki Kaye says the redevelopment of the school reflects the importance the Government places on raising student achievement in Kawerau and on providing a fresh start for the school and local community.

'The redevelopment will produce a modern learning environment that allows for greater collaboration and interaction.

'Vibrant, well-connected learning spaces are a key part of the design and will provide flexible spaces that allow for a variety of teaching and learning methods.”

The new facilities will include modern teaching spaces for 525 students, a library, technology and performance spaces, a wharenui, an administration block, and a wireless fibre network.

The redevelopment will also feature a number of environmentally sustainable initiatives. Specific heating and ventilation initiatives have been implemented to help combat Kawerau's extreme temperatures.

Passive solar heating will be generated via glazing systems that take advantage of the sun.

Tarawera High School opened in January 2013 following extensive community consultation on the closure of Kawerau College and Kawerau Intermediate School.

'The redeveloped school will be one that encourages strong ties with the community and promotes the fulfilment of potential in the community's rangatahi,” says Nikki.

'It's been designed to engage with the area's unique landscape and history. The buildings are located on a lay line running from Putuaki to Maketu on the Bay of Plenty coast, and are oriented to maximise the school's connection with Kawerau's town centre.”

Work is expected to begin in September and to be completed by the end of 2015.