Around $2.5 million will be invested in Budget 2017 to expand the capacity of schools in the Waikato region, say Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe.

Mr Macindoe made the announcement today during a visit to Cambridge East School in Cambridge.

“This first round of school infrastructure investment in Budget 2017 will provide a total of five new classrooms to two schools in the region,” says Ms Kaye.

The schools receiving new classrooms are:

Cambridge East School in Cambridge (around $1 million for two new classrooms) Pirongia Primary School in Pirongia (around $1.5 million for three new classrooms).

“As with all new classroom projects, the Ministry of Education will work with the schools to ensure the new classrooms meet their needs, such as providing an environment that allows for flexible and innovative learning to raise student achievement,” says Ms Kaye.

“Cambridge is growing fast and work is underway to engage local schools about the future shape of the network. The outcomes of this work will inform future investment decisions.”

Today’s announcement is part of the first round of infrastructure investments being announced as part of this year’s Budget.

“This latest investment in Waikato schools follows the $34.6 million we have invested in the region as part of Budget 2016. This funding included establishing the new Sylvester Primary School with capacity for 700 students, extending Endeavour Primary School to accommodate a further 200 students, and providing 15 roll-growth classrooms to increase capacity at another seven schools,” says Mr Macindoe.

Investment from the last two Budgets has seen around 1300 additional student spaces added to this growing region.

“Through Budget 2017 this Government is investing $456.5 million in education infrastructure, taking our overall commitment to extending and enhancing our schools to over $5 billion.”

It is expected that the new classrooms will be operational during the 2018 school year.

Further announcements about Budget 2017 school property investments will be made over the next few weeks.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye today attended the Annual Conference of the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS), where she signed a historical $20 million property funding agreement.

“This funding is being provided under Budget 2017, and recognises retrospective property-related costs incurred by state integrated schools as a result of past education policy changes,” says Ms Kaye.

State integrated schools offer education with a special character, either religious or philosophical in nature. The land and property of these schools is privately owned, but they receive some government funding towards maintaining and modernising school buildings.

“This full and final agreement recognises that in the past, state integrated schools have incurred additional property-related costs not covered by the government funding they’ve received,” says Ms Kaye.

“An example of a policy change that potentially led to extra costs being incurred was the introduction of guidelines on recommended space allocation, which could have impacted on the standard of property that state integrated schools were required to provide.

“The funding of $20 million is allocated over two years and will be provided to APIS to distribute to individual proprietors, who intend to use the funding for purposes such as carrying out structural improvements and upgrading schools. It’s important that we have safe buildings across the school network.

“More than 20 schools are expected to benefit from this funding.”

At this morning’s conference, Ms Kaye also spoke to proprietors about her vision for education and the key part that state integrated schools play within the wider sector.

“State integrated schools hold a special place in our education system. By providing education of a special character, they support choice and diversity for students and their families,” says Ms Kaye.

“I’d like to acknowledge APIS for the positive way they engaged with the Ministry of Education regarding the terms of this agreement.”

Around 89,000 students or roughly 11 per cent of our student population are educated in state integrated schools.

Around $5.5 million will be invested under Budget 2017 to expand the capacity of schools in the Canterbury region, say Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe.

Minister Macindoe made the announcement today during a visit to Prebbleton School in Selwyn.

“This first round of school infrastructure investment under Budget 2017 will provide a total of eleven new classrooms to three schools in the region, adding space for around 220 students,” says Ms Kaye.

The schools receiving new classrooms are:

Prebbleton School in Selwyn (around $2 million for four new classrooms) Lincoln Primary School in Selwyn (around $3 million for six new classrooms) Allenton School in Ashburton (around $500,000 for one new classroom).

“All of the schools receiving funding today have experienced increases to their rolls. The growth in the Christchurch area shows the resilient nature of this community following the 2011 earthquake.

“These new classrooms will also provide the opportunity for schools to incorporate flexible learning spaces that can support an innovative learning environment and encourage student achievement.”

Today’s announcement is among the first in a number of school infrastructure investments that will be announced as part of this year’s Budget.

“This latest investment in Canterbury schools follows the $278 million we have invested in the region as part of Budget 2016. This funding included support for the Christchurch Schools Rebuild programme, building two new schools and delivering two relocated and rebuilt schools under public private partnerships (PPPs), and $9 million for a number of roll growth classrooms,” says Mr Macindoe

“Budget 17 is investing $456.5 million in education infrastructure. This takes our overall commitment to extending and improving our schools in recent years to over $5 billion”.

It is expected that the new classrooms will be up and running during the 2018 school year.

Around $10 million will be invested to redevelop Masterton’s Wairarapa College, Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Minister of Education Tim Macindoe announced today.

“Wairarapa College is one of the oldest schools in the region, and includes buildings with recognised heritage status, such as the main block with its distinctive octagonal tower and arched entranceway,” says Ms Kaye.

“However, many of the school’s buildings are in poor condition and affected by issues such as water damage.

“This redevelopment will balance the remediation and modernisation of facilities with maintaining the culture and heritage of the site.”

The redevelopment will include significant classroom upgrades, as well as:

rebuilding of the gymnasium changing rooms and teaching area replacement of the school’s boiler.

A number of old buildings past their use-by date will be demolished as part of the redevelopment.

“This project is part of ongoing work across New Zealand to upgrade and expand our schools,” says Ms Kaye.

“Since 2008, we’ve invested over $5 billion towards modernisation and roll growth projects, the largest ever spend on school infrastructure by a New Zealand government.”

Mr Macindoe says around $127 million of school redevelopments have been announced in the Greater Wellington area, including Wairarapa, since November 2015.

“The Wairarapa College redevelopment adds to major projects at Thorndon School, Aotea College, Wellington East Girls’ College, Newtown School, Kelburn Normal School, Khandallah School, Ngaio School, Northland School, Churton Park School and Brooklyn School,” says Mr Macindoe.

“Now that funding and the broader scope of this latest project has been confirmed, the Ministry of Education will work with Wairarapa College on more detailed plans for the redevelopment.

“The planning process will ensure that the college’s vision for teaching and learning is reflected in the range, quality and layout of the redeveloped site.

“This is a great opportunity for the college and community to develop an environment that supports local students to achieve to the very best of their potential.”

Construction at Wairarapa College is expected to commence early in 2019.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye says more funding is being made available to support education in areas affected by last year’s Kaikōura earthquake.

“Budget 2017 provides $810,000 over two fiscal years to Kaikōura,” says Ms Kaye.

“This new funding comes on top of $645,000 that’s already been committed, bringing the total funding to support teachers, principals and staff in the area’s 40 schools and early childhood centres to $1.5 million.  

“All of us are aware of the ongoing impact large scale seismic events can have on individuals, both on a personal and professional level,” says Ms Kaye.

“The Government is providing support packages for the schools and early childhood education centres in Hurunui, Kaikōura and Seddon/Ward districts that were impacted by the quake and subsequent aftershocks.

“The packages are tailored, flexible and responsive to meet the individual needs of schools and early learning providers so there is minimal disruption to teaching and learning.

“There’s a focus on not only ensuring there are enough staff in the area for the number of students, but also on staff wellbeing.

“As we learnt from Christchurch the ongoing impact of a major earthquake lasts for many months, even years. Teachers and other school staff need to be well equipped to provide the ongoing support students and the wider community need.

“They need to be supported to develop strategies to deal with any changes in student behaviour to ensure that every young person can continue to learn and achieve.”

These ongoing support packages are on top of the high level support that was put in place in immediately after the earthquake.

Since then the Ministry of Education has met regularly with individual schools and early learning providers to ensure they’re getting the right level of ongoing support. 

 

Around $30 million will be invested in school property in the Bay of Plenty as part of Budget 2017, say Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe.

Ms Kaye visited Pillans Point School in Tauranga today to announce details of the investment, along with MP for Tauranga Simon Bridges and MP for Bay of Plenty Todd Muller.

The investment includes:

around $21 million for a new school in the Papamoa area, to accommodate a roll of 400 around $4 million to expand Golden Sands School to accommodate a further 150 students around $5 million to provide nine new classrooms at Pillans Point School (including five extra and four replacement classrooms).

“The focus of this investment is boosting capacity within the region’s education network, to help accommodate growing rolls,” says Ms Kaye.

“This is one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand, and the Government is committed to building new schools and classrooms where there’s sustained demand for more student places.

“Since 2008, we’ve undertaken the largest ever investment in school infrastructure by a New Zealand government.

“All up, we have now committed well over $5 billion towards upgrading and expanding schools nationwide.”

Mr Macindoe says today’s announcement follows significant recent investment in Bay of Plenty schools.

“Earlier this year, $1.2 million was announced for three extra classrooms at Omokoroa Point School, and an establishment notice was signed for the new $18 million school at Pyes Pa, which will accommodate 650 students,” says Mr Macindoe.

“Since 2016, new classrooms have also been announced for Oropi School, Welcome Bay School, Maungatapu School, Katikati Primary School and Matua Primary School.

“This Government understands that a school’s physical environment plays a huge part in inspiring and supporting student success, which is why we’re committed to ensuring that students all around New Zealand can learn in modern, stimulating learning environments.”

The investment announced today is part of a $456.5 million investment in education infrastructure and associated operating costs as part of this year’s Budget.

Further announcements will be made about investments in school property under Budget 2017 in the coming weeks.

The $240 million investment in Auckland school property under Budget 2017 will add significant capacity to the city’s education network, say Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe.

Ms Kaye announced details of the investment this morning at Stonefields School, which will benefit from a significant investment as part of the overall package.

“This is another huge investment in schools in our fastest growing city, which follows on from $162 million for Auckland school property under last year’s Budget,” says Ms Kaye.

“The $240 million will deliver four new schools, one major school expansion, the relocation of two special education schools, new roll growth and replacement classrooms and additional special education satellite units.”

The investment in new schools includes:

around $22 million for a new primary school in the Pukekohe Belmont area (planned roll of 350) around $25 million for a new primary school in the Orewa area (planned roll of 420) around $20 million for a new primary school in the Drury area (planned roll of 370) around $24 million for a new kura in Manurewa, to house Te Kura Kaupapa Maoro o Manurewa and Te Wharekura o Manurewa.

In addition, the package includes:

around $20 million to carry out a phased expansion of Stonefields School (to eventually provide 450 additional student places) around $22 million for the co-location and rebuild of Carlson and Sunnydene special education schools on a new site $87 million for around 170 classrooms, including new and replacement classrooms $9 million for five new special education satellite units (to be built on the grounds of existing schools).

“The main focus of the investment unveiled today is creating extra capacity to support growth in Auckland,” says Ms Kaye.

“In 2014, we announced an accelerated growth programme aimed at building nine new schools and additional classrooms to deliver an extra 17,000 student places in Auckland by 2019.

“So far, more than 8,000 of these additional student places have been delivered. The remaining places are all at various stages of delivery, from planning or design through to consenting and construction, and will be delivered by 2019.

“This latest package will provide a further 4000 student places on top of the 17,000 already announced, which means we’re now on-track to deliver an extra 21,000 student places in Auckland by 2021.

“We have now also announced all nine of the new schools pledged in 2014, with the additional four schools announced today adding to new primary schools in Hingaia South, Kumeu, Scott Point, Flat Bush South East and Ormiston Junior College.”

Mr Macindoe says the Government’s investment in new infrastructure complements other initiatives aimed at ensuring Auckland’s school network will meet the demands of the city’s growing population.

“The Ministry of Education is now looking much further ahead, up to 30 years into the future, to identify where it may need land, and it’s also working more closely with local authorities and infrastructure providers to carry out planning for high-growth areas,” says Mr Macindoe.

“This year’s Budget provides an additional $8 million to support the Ministry’s strategic planning capabilities, to enable them to better forecast and plan for future growth.

Mr Macindoe says the Government is committed to investing in the potential of all young people, and this is reflected in the diversity of learners who will benefit from the investment unveiled today.

“Special education schools and Maori-medium education all benefit from this package, reflecting the choice and inclusiveness inherent in our education system,” says Mr Macindoe.

“This $240 million investment in Auckland schools is part of a $456.5 million investment overall in education infrastructure and associated operating costs as part of this year’s Budget.”

Further announcements will be made about investments in school property under Budget 2017 in the coming weeks.

 

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye will meet a number of young people from Wellington at Parliament tomorrow night to hear their views on the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The high school students will make their way to Parliament after taking part in an amazing race style event around the capital as part of Youth Week 2017, which runs until 4 June.

“All over New Zealand, young people are taking part in activities to celebrate Youth Week 2017,” says Ms Kaye.

“The theme of Youth Week this year is ‘Our voices count; count our voices’, and I’m really looking forward to hear what the young Wellingtonians have to say.

“In my job as Youth Minister, I get to meet amazing young people from all over the country. We have so many talented young people with unlimited passion, intelligence, integrity and inspiration.

“Part of my job is to give them opportunities such as mentoring, volunteering and leadership development to help them learn and grow, with a focus on helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds get on a path to success.

“It’s also about recognising and celebrating the success of our young people, through events such as the annual New Zealand Youth Awards.

“We have a range of programmes throughout the year, and the Government invests on average around $8 million annually to provide these opportunities. Additional funding is provided by business, philanthropic and iwi partners who we work with to grow opportunities.

“We’re on-track to increase the number of opportunities available annually to 70,000 by next year.

“Another thing we do is encourage young people to embrace the political process, through events such as Youth Parliament.

“I know that young people care very deeply about their world and the future, and events such as Youth Parliament and Youth Week provide an opportunity for them to voice their views.”

Youth Development body AraTaiohi has received $20,000 funding to work with young people to create and run events during Youth Week 2017.

At least 40 events are being held across New Zealand including an open mic spoken word evening, dance workshops, sports competitions, a music event, a ‘Wall of Voices’ which represents young people’s views on issues important to them, and a climate challenge conference.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come together to make Youth Week 2017 a reality,” says Ms Kaye.

“This is about encouraging young people to believe in themselves and their vision for the future, and recognising and supporting their ability to achieve their goals.”

More information about Youth Week 2017 is available here.

Around $19 million will be invested in Wanaka’s school network as part of Budget 2017, Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe announced today.            

This investment will include:

around $16 million for a new primary school in Wanaka around $3 million for six new classrooms at Mt Aspiring College.

“Earlier this year, when I announced $1.4 million for four new classrooms at Wanaka Primary School, I indicated that work was underway to secure a new site for another school in the area,” says Ms Kaye.

“It’s great to be able to confirm the funding under this year’s Budget which will enable this new school to go ahead.

“The Ministry of Education has worked with all schools in the wider Wanaka area and their communities over the past two years to develop a long-term plan to meet growth. The advice has been that the best option is to establish a new primary school, and there will be a formal consultation process with the community over the coming months.

“The new primary school will be built in two stages to provide for an extra 400 students.

“The first stage is expected to be completed, and part of the new school open, in 2019. The second stage is expected to be completed by 2020.

“There will be significant investment in site infrastructure to enable a potential third stage in the next ten years if required, so that over time the new school could accommodate up to 800 students.

“This is an exciting development which will add significant capacity to the local school network.

“This is about ensuring we can future-proof for growth in Wanaka and give certainty to the community about education provision for many years to come.

“There are currently more than 1,500 students in Wanaka and the new school will enable the area to accommodate more than 1900 students.

 “With growth occurring in many parts of New Zealand as well as Wanaka, it’s important that the Ministry is well resourced to plan for future school investments.

“Budget 2017 therefore provides for additional investment of $8 million over four years to enhance the Ministry’s strategic planning capabilities, to enable them to better forecast and plan for future growth.”

Mr Macindoe says Wanaka’s population is growing steadily and it’s important that the local school network can accommodate this growth.

“The Government is committed to expanding capacity in areas such as Wanaka which are experiencing population growth,” says Mr Macindoe.

“As a popular town and tourist destination, Wanaka is attracting more businesses and residents and that has a flow-on effect in terms of demand for more spaces in local schools.

“This investment builds on $1.4 million announced in February for four new classrooms at Wanaka Primary School, and $700,000 announced for two new classrooms at Mt Aspiring College last year. All of the new classrooms for Mt Aspiring College, including the six announced today, will be delivered as one project.

“We’ve now committed over $5 billion towards upgrading and expanding school infrastructure since 2008, significantly more than any previous government.”

This year’s Budget provides $456.5 million for education infrastructure and associated operating costs up and down New Zealand.

Further announcements will be made about investments in school property under Budget 2017 in the coming weeks.