Students at Maungatapu School in Tauranga will benefit from new classrooms as part of a major government investment that delivers 32 safe, warm and dry learning spaces across the Central North Island.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the programme supports growing communities and creates better learning environments for young people.

“As communities continue to grow, we remain committed to future-proofing our education system so parents have certainty about where to send their child to school,” said Stanford.

“We’re not only building more classrooms, but we are also building more opportunities for children to thrive.”

The latest package includes four new classrooms at Hamilton East School in Hamilton, two at Waipawa School in Hawke’s Bay, and three at Maungatapu School in Tauranga.

Te Kauwhata Primary School in Waikato will receive two classrooms, and two more will be constructed at Kawerau South School in the Bay of Plenty.

In addition to the new builds, Taihape Area School will undergo a major redevelopment.

The school will receive 19 new classrooms, including a hard technology space, and the existing gym and multipurpose hall will be strengthened to improve their seismic performance.

Stanford said the Taihape community had waited long enough for modern and safe facilities.

“Students and staff have been teaching and learning in sub-standard classrooms for too long,” said Stanford. “This investment will make sure children are set up for success in the classroom.”

She said construction on the projects will begin over the next 12 months.

“Schools, families and communities can start experiencing the benefits as soon as possible,” said Stanford.

The projects will use modern delivery methods to reduce cost and speed up completion, she said.

“We are powering up efficiencies in school property delivery so more schools, communities and children benefit sooner,” said Stanford.

“The use of standardised building designs, offsite manufacturing and streamlining procurement have lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%, allowing 30% more classrooms to be delivered last year compared to 2023.”

Stanford said the Government would continue driving efficiency to give more children access to fit-for-purpose education spaces.