Associate Minister of Education, Tim Macindoe, will visit Rangiora Borough School today to officially open a new $6 million building that the school has named after local pioneer, Henry Blackett.

“The Henry Blackett building replaces aging facilities and extends capacity to meet roll growth by providing the school with 12 new, modern teaching spaces that will promote positive and inspiring learning experiences for its students,” says Mr Macindoe.

“School upgrades are part of the government’s plan to raise student achievement by ensuring they can learn and achieve in the best possible environments.”

Rangiora Borough School was already experiencing growth prior to the Christchurch earthquakes. The subsequent population movements impacted several schools in the area.

“We considered the net effect of population movements on centres like Rangiora following the events in Christchurch, particularly where we have historic schools that are more than 100 years old.

“We have committed more than $20 million to redevelop four North Canterbury schools: Rangiora Borough, Oxford Area, Ashgrove and Southbrook. They were not part of the Christchurch Schools Rebuild programme yet they were still affected by changing population patterns. Each of these schools is receiving new classrooms to replace aging buildings and extend capacity.”

The Ministry of Education is delivering all of these projects for the four schools through one contract.

“Addressing the property needs of several schools located in the same geographic area at the same time can achieve efficiencies and increase value for money, which is a good result for the schools and the government.

“We will continue to look for opportunities to maximise the benefits from our infrastructure investment to support our ongoing delivery of high quality, modern and flexible school environments that provide the level of infrastructure needed to serve communities long-term.”

The $20 million investment in the four North Canterbury schools is in addition to the $14.9 million committed to redevelop Rangiora High School, and the $1.4 billion Christchurch Schools Rebuild programme, which is repairing, renewing and rebuilding 115 schools across greater Christchurch. A new school, Rangiora West, is scheduled to open in 2021.

Associate Transport Minister Tim Macindoe will tomorrow travel to Germany to attend the 2017 International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit of Transport Ministers.

The Summit is being held from 31 May -2 June and will bring together members from approximately 57 countries to explore the trends shaping transport governance and to identify the most pressing challenges in the global transport sector.

“I look forward to being able to further strengthen the connections we have with our international counterparts and to be part of shaping the transport policy agenda on a global level,” Mr Macindoe says.

Mr Macindoe will be speaking on a panel focusing on the regulation required for automated and autonomous driving.

“Among other benefits, if automated and autonomous vehicles are adequately managed they have the potential significantly to improve road safety and reduce road trauma in New Zealand, so it is vital to be part of this global discussion.

“During the panel session I will be looking both to promote New Zealand’s regulatory framework, which allows and encourages innovation, and to learn from the experiences of other members.”

Mr Macindoe will also attend meetings with ministers and technical experts from a range of countries.

I was excited to hear about progress on Sylvester Primary School today, says local MP Tim Macindoe.

“The school will be located on the corner of Borman Road and Hare Puke Drive and open from Term One 2019 for local pupils.

“It will enrol year one to six pupils, and will also be home to a special school satellite and an early childhood education centre, making it a great new asset for the community.

“The school will also be designed, built, and maintained through a public private partnership.

“By using public private partnerships, schools are freed up to concentrate on teaching and learning, while the private partner manages the buildings.

“The Establishment Board of Trustees will be appointed soon and will have responsibility for appointing a foundation principal, determining school policy and governance practices, and ensuring the school reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community.

“National is focused on ensuring our pupils and teachers have access to modern and innovative learning spaces to support them to achieve their best outcomes for local children.”