The first sod has been turned for a $26 million redevelopment of Hornby High School in Christchurch.
At the ceremony today, Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe said 90 percent of the school's existing buildings would be demolished.
New buildings will include 45 new teaching spaces, a new gym, and administration area.
The project is due to be completed by mid-2019.
Mr Macindoe also planted a tree at Hornby Primary School today, to mark the completion of a $3.5m upgrade.