MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – Budget to invest $244 million in schools Education Minister Hekia Parata and Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye say next month’s Budget will provide $244 million of funding for new schools, additional classrooms and expansions to existing schools. The money will come from the remaining proceeds of the government’s share offer programme – channelled through the Future Investment Fund. Ms Parata says the funding, spread over four years, demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring all kids can do their very best at school. It will be used to build seven new schools, expand four existing schools and add another 241 classrooms across the country. The investment includes the first phase of the government’s August 2014 commitment to invest $350 million in Auckland schools. It is on top of nearly $400 million spent over the past six years building 24 new schools around the country and the $1.1 billion budgeted for the rebuild and repair of schools in greater Christchurch. “This government has made the biggest investment ever in education, including the $359 million in Budget 2014 to raise educational achievement by lifting the quality of teaching and leadership in our schools,” says Ms Parata. “We’ve seen kids starting earlier, staying longer and leaving better qualified in the past six years. I am determined that all kids get the best education possible including those who have not fared so well in the past – Maori, Pasifika and kids from poorer homes. “This further funding will help meet roll growth as well as deliver school environments that meet the needs of kids in the 21st century,” says Ms Parata. The seven new schools are:
- two primary schools in Auckland at Kumeu and Scott Point
- Rototuna Senior High in Hamilton
- a primary school at Rolleston, near Christchurch
- three kura kaupapa Maori schools in Whakatane, Gisborne and Hastings.
