St Paul’s Collegiate School has officially opened The Hive, an innovative wellbeing and health hub designed to support the physical, emotional, and social needs of young people, while also creating a welcoming space for families and the wider community to connect.

The Hive is the most significant building project in the School’s 67-year history and forms a central pillar of its campus master plan. It ensures that all facilities on the Hamilton campus are high-quality, expertly designed for functionality, and, most importantly, welcoming spaces for students, parents, and the wider St Paul’s community.

Headmaster Ben Skeen said, “This building is far more than bricks and mortar – it is our front door, our gathering place, a space designed for connection, wellbeing and belonging. The ripple effect it has on other campus redevelopment will transform how we support and educate the young people in our care.”

The Hive has been designed to meet both current and future needs while withstanding the demands of a busy school environment. The new complex includes a comprehensive health clinic with bedrooms for sick boarders, a physio room with dedicated staff, a counselling services suite, a lounge for parents and Collegians, a historical area celebrating the School’s past, the school shop, and offices for the Finance and Marketing teams.

The project also includes a boarding refurbishment and extension of Sargood House, featuring a new Year 12 dormitory and an expanded common room with additional shared facilities. “These carefully planned projects will further unlock the reassignment and renovation of other existing spaces on our Hamilton campus, creating even more learning and collaboration spaces for our students and staff,” said Mr Skeen.

The School formally declared The Hive open on 28 January, with a blessing from Archbishop Sir David Moxon, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, community connection, and educational excellence. The official ribbon cutting was performed by Mr Andrew Johnson, Chair of the Waikato Anglican College Trust Board, and Mr Bruce Miller, Chair of the School’s Property and Finance Subcommittee.

Mr Johnson has served on the Board for 14 years, including eight years as Chair, playing a pivotal role in the School’s overall strategy, particularly in financial stewardship and property development planning. Mr Miller has served on the Board for nine years, including seven years as Chair of the Property and Finance Subcommittee, providing wise counsel, financial governance expertise, and strategic leadership.

The Hive project was delivered by EdwardsWhite Architects, Livingstone Construction, and numerous subcontractors, who have created an outstanding final result. “The Hive stands as a place where students are supported and our community is connected,” said Ben Skeen. “It strengthens our ability to deliver the St Paul’s style of education that families so deeply value, now and into the future.”

Be part of The Hive
Our community has enthusiastically supported The Hive, with more than 100 bricks purchased as part of the project. The engraved messages tell personal stories of generations who have been impacted by St Paul’s. There is still an opportunity to purchase your family brick for those who would like to be part of this lasting legacy. Click here to purchase your brick.