For more than 50 years, the administration block at Kaikorai Valley College has remained almost untouched, with funding priorities directed to classrooms and equipment for pupils.
Yesterday, after a $1.4 million facelift, the school got the ultimate touch of approval when the school's "A Block" was officially opened by Prime Minister John Key.
Mr Key was delighted to cut the ribbon opening the new administration block, and said the school's new uniform made him feel instantly at home because it reminded him of the uniform at his former high school in Christchurch.
The administration block has remained unaltered since it was built in 1958, but thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Education, a new main entrance was created at the north end of the present building, which has made the school's main entrance much more obvious.
Board of trustees chairman Mark Rogers said the school's entrance was previously hidden away and was very hard for visitors to find.
However, the new facility had remedied the situation, and it was hoped it would help to "rebrand" the school.
Many of the offices, guidance room and sick bays were relocated, and new toilets were installed for the school hall.
A new kitchen was built to serve the hall and the staffroom refurbished, with more work space for teachers.
