Erica Stanford

PHOTO: Education Minister Erica Stanford. TIMES

📢 Big news for tamariki, teachers, and communities across Aotearoa! Education Minister Erica Stanford has unveiled a $100 million education infrastructure boost to combat growing school rolls and overcrowded classrooms across the country.

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🏫✨ What’s Included in the $100M School Package?

✅ New West Auckland Primary School
📍 Massey: A brand-new 600-student primary school is set to rise, complete with two learning support satellite spaces for Arohanui School in Te Atatū.

✅ Ormiston Senior College Expansion
📚 A major 18-classroom build to ease pressure in one of NZ’s fastest-growing areas.

✅ Scott Point Primary School Upgrade
🏗️ A two-storey block with 10 new classrooms will be added in Hobsonville.

✅ Kaupapa Māori School Investments
🎓 Rotorua: Two classrooms for Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu
🎓 Gisborne:

  • Three classrooms for Manutuke School

  • Four senior classrooms and a permanent site for Te Kura Kaupapa o Hawaiki Hou
    🎓 Taupō: Two classrooms for Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Whakarewa I Te Reo Ki Tuwharetoa

🗨️ “This funding will fast-track much-needed classroom space and modern facilities—especially in high-growth and under-resourced areas,” said Minister Stanford.

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🔍 Why Now? The Backstory

📊 The announcement follows a scathing inquiry led by former National MP Murray McCully, which highlighted poor performance in managing the Government’s $30 billion school property portfolio.

🏗️ According to Stanford, these projects are only possible due to cost-cutting efficiencies introduced by the government, including:

  • 🏗️ Standardised building designs

  • 🛠️ Offsite manufacturing

  • 💰 28% reduction in classroom build costs

  • 📦 30% more classrooms delivered

  • ♻️ 35% more repeatable, modular designs

🗨️ “By streamlining the way we build schools, we’re making every dollar go further for Kiwi kids,” said Stanford.

🛠️ What’s Next?

🗂️ Planning is already underway, and construction is set to start soon, with Stanford pledging speed and efficiency.
🏁 The goal: Get new classrooms built fast to meet the urgent needs of our growing student population.

📬 Final Word

This isn’t just about buildings—it’s about better learning environments, greater support for special education, and smarter investment in the future of education.

📩 Media contact:
📧 NZ Ministry of Education – Press Office
✉️ communications@education.govt.nz

SOURCE: NZHERALD

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