The opening marked the end of a decade-long project and honoured one of the school’s distinguished former students, Rocket Lab founder Sir Peter Beck.
Deputy principal Anna McDowall said Sir Peter had immediately accepted the honour of the naming of the centre when asked.
Sir Peter said returning to James Hargest felt ‘‘super weird to turn up back to school as an adult’’.
He shared how his love for science and metalwork was encouraged by his metalwork teacher Graeme Childs. But he recommended the mischief he once got into in the science labs should now be avoided.
‘‘Never ever combine a Bunsen burner, a stainless steel sink and a manila folder in the science room.
‘‘Although the result is transitory spectacular, it’s really, really not worth it.’’
Sir Peter said it was strange to be standing in front of a building with your name on it ‘‘because it usually only happens when you die’’.
‘‘It’s a great honour [to name the building] and a great honour not to be dead.’’
Sir Peter’s reflections on the importance of curiosity, resilience and creativity resonated deeply with students and staff alike.
‘‘Innovation starts with asking the right questions and not being afraid to fail,’’ he said.
He encouraged young people to ‘‘get after’’ their dream.
‘‘Choose what you want to do in life, and get after it. What’s the worst that can happen? You fail and go and get a real job?
‘‘You spend a lot of time working, so do the thing you love.’’
The opening also marked a milestone for outgoing principal Mike Newall and incoming principal Mrs McDowall, who both described the centre as the culmination of years of planning, delays, redesigns and determination to give students modern, flexible learning spaces that would serve the school for decades.
Mrs McDowall said the centre represented a transformative leap forward for James Hargest College and had
been designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators by providing cutting-edge laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and technology-rich environments.
Mr Newall shared heartfelt remarks about the centre’s significance, emphasising the collective effort behind its realisation.
‘‘This centre is not just a building; it’s a testament to our community’s commitment to education and future-focused learning,’’ he said.
The new facility houses eight specialised science laboratories, five general learning spaces, and four breakout areas.
The building also will serve as the new home for student support centre Whare Manaaki.
