The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), through its Buildings and Maintenance team, has completed a series of important upgrades at Tereora College over the festive period, improving both the safety of facilities and access to key learning spaces.
The work focused on two priority areas: refurbishing a borer-affected science laboratory and improving accessibility across the campus to ensure students and staff can move safely between blocks.
The science laboratory upgrade included installation of new cabinets and shelving, refurbishment of cabinet sinks and laboratory gas taps, and comprehensive safety and compliance checks on water and gas lines. These improvements help ensure the facility meets safety standards while providing a more functional learning environment for science students.
Alongside this, a number of accessibility improvements were completed to strengthen connections across the school grounds. The work provides a more continuous accessible pathway linking the mid-block to the lower block, and improves access to the upper block so that key teaching areas can be reached more safely by all students.
Accessibility upgrades completed include:
CIIC Board Chair Fletcher Melvin said the upgrades reflect the Corporation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining public assets that directly support the wellbeing and success of young people.
“Schools are some of the most important public assets we have, because they shape the opportunities available to our young people. These upgrades at Tereora College are about making sure facilities are safe, accessible, and fit for purpose so students can focus on learning and participating fully in school life.”
He said improving accessibility across the campus was particularly important.
“Ensuring that students can move safely between classrooms, learning spaces, and support services is essential. Small infrastructure improvements like ramps and pathway connections make a real difference to how inclusive and functional a school environment is day to day.”
The upgrades are expected to benefit students immediately, particularly those accessing science facilities, counselling services, and upper-block classrooms. Teachers have also welcomed the improvements, noting that safer, more accessible spaces help create a more positive learning environment.
CIIC will continue working closely with the Ministry of Education and school leadership to identify priority improvements and maintain government-owned infrastructure to a high standard.
These works form part of CIIC’s broader programme to strengthen public buildings across the Cook Islands — ensuring schools, community facilities, and essential infrastructure remain safe, resilient, and fit for future generations.
