Breen partnered with the Ministry of Education and Richards Consulting Engineers to complete seismic strengthening and roofing upgrades to the heritage‑listed Hall of Memories at Waitaki Boys’ High School in Oamaru.

Built in the 1920s as a memorial to former students who served in WWI and WWII, the Hall of Memories is a Category 1 heritage building and an important place for ceremonies, remembrance and school events. Its Oamaru stone exterior, slate roof and Gothic‑revival details make it one of the school’s most recognisable and historically significant structures.

The $1.3M project, completed in October 2025, included seismic strengthening to improve safety and structural resilience; full roof replacement, tile reinstatement and leadwork; restoration of heritage elements including cast‑iron rainwater features; and a staged delivery programme while the school remained fully operational

Specialist Heritage Roofing
With great care, our team removed and reinstated the original heritage slate tiles, matching historic patterns and profiles. Detailed leadwork was completed to parapets and valleys, and the original cast‑iron rainwater heads and downpipes were restored to full working order.

Safe Access for a Delicate Structure
A purpose‑built suspended scaffold system provided access to the steep roof while protecting the fragile Oamaru stone façade. This approach ensured safe working conditions without imposing load on the heritage building fabric.

The Hall of Memories now has significantly improved structural resilience, a renewed weatherproof envelope, and restored heritage detailing — ensuring this iconic building will continue to serve students and the wider Waitaki community for decades to come.