Government invests in additional classrooms for 300 students

Minister of Education Chris Hipkins has announced $9 million to build more classrooms at six schools around the country with increasing student rolls.

“The Government is committed to building enough warm, dry and modern classrooms to meet demand across New Zealand, so that students learn in comfortable spaces,” Chris Hipkins said.

“The funding will providing extra classrooms for more than 300 additional student spaces at six schools, including one special school.

“This Coalition Government has made it clear that supporting students with special learning needs is a priority, and delivering an additional satellite unit will provide more space for students that need it.

The schools receiving new classrooms for roll growth are:

Cambridge Middle School in Waikato – 132 additional student spaces
Golden Sands School in Bay of Plenty – 66 additional student spaces
Maungatapu School in Bay of Plenty – 44 additional student spaces
Kowhai School in Hawke’s Bay – one additional special education satellite unit
Whitney Street School in Marlborough – 44 additional student spaces
Leithfield School in Canterbury – 22 additional student spaces

“Today’s roll growth announcements are funded from Budget 2018 and are in addition to the more than $220 million of Budget 2018 investments already announced.

“This includes more than $180 million spent on new schools, expansions, relocations and additional classrooms for roll growth. A further $40m was allocated for new and refurbished classrooms and other facilities at two kura and a special character school,” Chris Hipkins said.