Classes began at the school in Scurr Heights in October last year, following relocation from its Tenby St site and more than seven years' planning.
Education Minister Anne Tolley was to attend an official opening on February 24, but that was postponed following the Christchurch earthquake two days earlier.
Mrs Tolley was at yesterday's opening, which featured a Maori welcome and musical performances from pupils. She addressed the crowd of parents, pupils and dignitaries gathered in the school's hall and congratulated the school on its modern facilities and wide-ranging technologies, particularly the fibreoptic link with neighbouring Mount Aspiring College which enabled considerable sharing of resources.
"I have no doubt that the $20 million invested by the Government has been well spent," Mrs Tolley said.
Principal Dr Wendy Bamford thanked those who had worked together to build a "vibrant, happy and innovative learning community . . . housed in attractive, state of the art buildings and playgrounds set in a breathtaking environment. The amazing campus we have, for me, is a fitting backdrop for the amazing people, the vision, the culture, the learning community, that is Wanaka Primary School," Dr Bamford said.
Board of trustees chairman Pete Bullen described the new school as "successful for the ministry as a property project and successful for the school community and the kids".
Amalgamated Builders director Karsten Pedersen said building the school was "the most rewarding contract" he had been involved with.
