Thursday the 4th of June, 2009 was a landmark day in the history of King’s College, as the community witnessed the opening of the new Design Technology Centre.

Officially opened by The Governor General, His Excellency The Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand, GNZM, QSO, and blessed by the Bishop of Auckland, Rt Rev John Paterson, the Design Technology Centre is the result of extensive fundraising through the Mind, Body and Soul capital campaign.

The MC for the opening celebration was Deputy Headmaster, Mr Robin Fleming and addresses were given by Headmaster, Mr Bradley Fenner and Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr Peter Ferguson, to the assembled guests from the wider King’s community, including staff and senior students of the College. The King’s College Kapa Haka Group, led by Teina Clarke (Year 13, Major), performed two outstanding Hakas and Waitas with the full-school Haka being performed as the plaque for the new building was unveiled.

Guests were then taken by College Prefects on a guided tour of the Centre and were amazed by the facility and the opportunities that it will provide to the students of King’s. They commented favourably on the building, its purpose and its design.

The Design Technology Centre is a significant addition for Kings. Not only does it come equipped with some of the most advanced, high-tech features, but the design of the building was formulated around creating a highly modern structure that was, and is, very much respectful of the King’s Building tradition – a feat that the architects of the building have achieved superbly. It is a modern re-interpretation of the traditional King’s building, right down to a brick colour that was representative of the older buildings on the campus.

Many associate a King’s College education principally, or even exclusively on the more ‘traditional’ academic subjects. However, as stated by founder Mr Graeme Bruce in 1896, his aim was that the school would provide “the best all-round education it is possible to obtain”. This large investment in the creative and expressive subjects of Art, Design, Graphics and Technology, makes a clear statement about the importance of a broader education for all students.

Sincere appreciation to everyone involved in the planning, design and construction of the Centre as well the many members of the College community who have supported the Mind, Body and Soul campaign.

Just as we have all benefited from the work and gifts of those who have gone before us, the students and staff of King’s College, now and in the future, will benefit from what this new facility now offers us.


Matt Dobbs
Communications Prefect