Education Minister, Erica Stanford, has announced a $62.5 million investment package to build more classrooms and upgrade others across the South Island.
During a visit to Darfield High School today, the Minister said the significant investment will deliver 59 additional classrooms and provide funding for upgrades at other schools.
Seven of the schools set to receive new classrooms are located in Canterbury.
“We are ensuring that students are learning in safe, warm, dry and fit-for-purpose classrooms as their communities grow,” Ms Stanford says.
“Christchurch’s western suburbs are growing rapidly. We are seeing strong housing development in Rolleston, Lincoln and Darfield. As more families move into these areas, we need to build more classrooms to keep up with demand.
“Today’s investment is allowing us to get ahead of demand, so schools are ready for the young families arriving in these communities,” Ms Stanford says.
In Canterbury, the Budget 26 investment will deliver:
- A new 18 classroom primary school for Lincoln South
- Four additional classrooms at Darfield School
- Six additional classrooms at Darfield High School
- Four additional classrooms at Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo
- Two additional classrooms at Allenton School
- Two additional classrooms at Amuri Area School
- The next expansion at Rolleston College
The funding will also deliver classrooms at four other South Island schools:
- Fiordland College with two additional classrooms
- Heddon Bush School with one additional classroom
- South Westland Area School with two additional classrooms
- Hāwea Flat School with four additional classrooms
Learning support will also be provided for:
- Maitai School with two additional classrooms at the base site
- At Springlands School, with two learning support satellite classrooms for Maitai School
“We are taking a practical, value for money approach to delivery. We’ve significantly reduced the average cost of a classroom through increasing the use of standard or modular builds, which allows us to get spades in the ground faster, deliver classrooms at a lower cost and make every dollar go further,” the Minister said.
“This work backs our Government’s focus on economic growth. Building and upgrading schools supports local jobs and keeps the construction sector moving.”
“In addition, we have also set aside funding to purchase a site for a future new high school in Queenstown.”
In addition, four South Island schools will receive funding to address long standing condition issues. These schools are:
- Amuri Area School
- Logan Park High School
- Southland Boys High School
- Southland Girls High School
The Ministry will work with these schools to confirm scope and get the projects underway in the coming months, Ms Stanford said.
“This is part of our wider suite of investment to grow the school property portfolio and make sure it is fit for the future,” she said.
