The Government has announced a $49 million investment in Auckland schools, including building a new primary school and expanding others.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins made the announcement during a visit to Waterview Primary School in Auckland's Mount Albert on Wednesday.
The Government will build a brand new primary school at Scott Point in Hobsonville for 650 students which will cost around $22.8 million, with the design and build of the school being managed by the Ministry of Education.
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"This is on top of the $19.5 million already announced to completely rebuild and expand Onepoto Primary School on the North Shore in Auckland," Mr Hipkins said.
"This coalition Government is committed to ensuring schools have enough classrooms that are modern and fit for purpose to support students to succeed."
He said $6.3 million will be spent expanding Waterview Primary School, freeing up space for up to 240 students, while Paerata Primary School in south Auckland will be relocated, rebuilt and expanded to allow for an extra 350 students.
The funding is a part of a $332 million announced in the Government's 2018 Budget to meet roll growth pressures.
"Auckland is one of our fastest growing regions in the country and it is critical schools can keep pace with population growth," Mr Hipkins said. "We made a strong start in Budget 18 towards the investment needed in education infrastructure."
There will be more classroom announcements in the coming weeks, he said.
The investment announcement comes as primary school teachers and principals across New Zealand plan to strike in August for three hours after rejecting the Government's latest pay offer.
The head strike negotiator for principals says the profession has been insulted by the Government's pay offer, and that teaching isn't seen as attractive anymore.
Newshub.
