Te Rōhutu Whio School

Rolleston

Location

Rolleston

Client

Southbase

Services

Design

Status

Completed

Education

Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects collaborated with Southbase and school representatives to deliver the landscape design for a new bilingual Years 1–8 school in the growing Rolleston community. The design thoughtfully integrates the school’s bicultural identity, kaupapa, and values, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, flexible outdoor spaces that support learning, play, and social interaction for students of all ages and abilities.

At the heart of the campus is Te Ara, the main entry path that weaves through the school, linking key gathering spaces and culminating in a distinctive paving feature that marks the transition into the school’s central area. This ceremonial spine supports the welcoming of manuhiri and provides a focal point for mihi whakatau, assemblies, and outdoor performances, supported by a large seating area adjacent to the hall.

The central courtyard has been designed as a multifunctional space for informal play, outdoor learning, and community events. Two custom playgrounds within the courtyard incorporate narratives of Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu, the mana whenua of the area, embedding cultural storytelling into everyday student experiences.

The planting design reflects the school’s name gifted by local mana whenua, Te Rōhutu Whio, drawing on native species found in the surrounding Rolleston environment, with a focus on resilience, habitat support, and a clear connection to place.

Read Less

Southbase
Credits
No items found.
Media
No items found.
Awards
No items found.
Papa Hou
Papa Hou
Central Christchurch
Commercial
Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre
Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre
Punakaiki, West Coast
Commercial
Taylors Mistake View
Taylors Mistake View
Christchurch
Residential
Paparoa Street School
Paparoa Street School
Christchurch
Education
Ōraka – Drift Bay
Ōraka – Drift Bay
Drift Bay, Queenstown
Residential
Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau
Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau
Queenstown
Education
Te Rōhutu Whio School
Te Rōhutu Whio School
Rolleston
Education
Worcester Terraces
Worcester Terraces
Christchurch
Commercial
Lake Hayes
Lake Hayes
Central Lakes
Residential
Karamū
Karamū
Christchurch
Subdivisions
Remy St
Remy St
Christchurch
Residential
Halswell Home
Halswell Home
Christchurch
Residential
Linden Grove
Linden Grove
Christchurch
Subdivisions
Fendalton Home
Fendalton Home
Christchurch
Residential
Weka St Home
Weka St Home
Christchurch
Residential
Te Pae Convention and Exhibition Centre
Te Pae Convention and Exhibition Centre
Christchurch
Commercial
Hussey Rd
Hussey Rd
Christchurch
Residential
Cashmere Hills
Cashmere Hills
Christchurch
Residential
Pita Te Hori Centre
Pita Te Hori Centre
Christchurch Central
Commercial
Wigram Skies
Wigram Skies
Christchurch
Subdivisions
Sumner Courtyard
Sumner Courtyard
Christchurch
Residential
The Atlas Quarter
The Atlas Quarter
Central City
Commercial
Mt Pleasant Community Centre
Mt Pleasant Community Centre
Christchurch
Commercial
Balmoral Hill
Balmoral Hill
Christchurch
Residential
Redcliffs Home
Redcliffs Home
Christchurch
Residential
Ellerslie Retirement Village
Ellerslie Retirement Village
Auckland
Commercial
Summerset - Wigram Retirement Village
Summerset - Wigram Retirement Village
Christchurch
Commercial
Faringdon Stage 2
Faringdon Stage 2
Rolleston
Subdivisions
The Landing
The Landing
Christchurch
Commercial
Ilam Home
Ilam Home
Christchurch
Residential
Show Place
Show Place
Christchurch
Commercial
Aikmans Road
Aikmans Road
Christchurch
Residential
North Beach Home
North Beach Home
Christchurch
Residential
Merivale Home
Merivale Home
Christchurch
Residential
Ocean Ridge
Ocean Ridge
Kaikoura
Subdivisions
Faringdon
Faringdon
Rolleston
Subdivisions
Izone Industrial Park
Izone Industrial Park
Rolleston
Commercial
Rāwhiti School
Rāwhiti School
Christchurch
Education
Waitākiri School
Waitākiri School
Christchurch
Education
Te Waka Unua
Te Waka Unua
Christchurch
Education
Te Kura O Take Kārara
Te Kura O Take Kārara
Wanaka
Education

View Featured Projects