Education Minister Hekia Parata says the consolidation of schooling in Murupara will help strengthen education and raise student achievement levels in the area.

A new Year 1-13 area school in Murupara opens at the start of next year and will be situated on the site of the Murupara Primary School.

The new school will replace Murupara Primary School and Rangitahi College.

These will both close on January 27, 2013.

'The community has been working towards a brighter future for its tamariki for some years and a viable and sustainable area school will help achieve this,” says Hekia.

'I am pleased to be able to play my part in this process.”
She says the decision follows considerable consultation and this new school is an important step in implementing the community's educational strategic plan – Ka Awatea.

'It aims to strengthen education at all levels in the town by ensuring there are seamless pathways for all learners and that schools deliver strong educational outcomes.”

Nominations for the establishment board of trustees will be sought this year and when appointed, the board will establish the school and appoint staff.

Hekia is working with the boards of Rangitahi College and Murupara Primary School and will provide support to these schools during the reorganisation.

She says the community will be kept informed throughout the process.