New Plymouth Technical School (1906-07/1918 - 2022)

Originally constructed 1906-1907, the former New Plymouth Technical School was one of the few buildings in New Plymouth built predominantly of brick. The building was designed by prominent New Plymouth architect James Sanderson, who was the Taranaki Education Board's architect at the time. It was officially opened by the Minister of Education, Hon. G. Fowlds, on 6 June 1907.

An extension was added to the south-eastern rear corner in 1918 - whilst a building permit cannot be found for this extension, it is discussed in local newspaper reports.

The Technical School was built on part of the site known as St Michael's Square/Poverty Flat/The Parade Ground - an area used as a parade ground for troops stationed at New Plymouth during the New Zealand Wars.

The Technical School ceased to exist in 1927, when a merger saw the school become the Technical Division of New Plymouth Boys' High. In 1972, the Technical Division of Boys' High became the Taranaki Polytechnic, operating from Liardet Street and another city site until 1976, when the Polytechnic shifted to Bell Street. In 2017 the building was occupied by the YMCA and adult literacy providers.

The building was part of a group of buildings located on St Michaels Square relating to the development of education in New Plymouth and Taranaki - these buildings include the Taranaki Education Board Offices, the Technical Engineering Workshop, and buildings associated with New Plymouth Central School. 

The building was demolished in 2022 in preparation for a large-scale residential development (Pukekura - The Parade) on behalf of Te Atiawa Iwi Holdings LP. 

Related items:

Taranaki School Wins the Imperial Shield for Marksmanship, (Supplement to the Auckland Weekly News 8 October 1925, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19251008-40-01)

Iwi Townhouses to go up near Pukekura Park (Taranaki Daily News 27 March 2021)

Housing Builds Due to Start (Taranaki Daily News 13 August 2023)