Govt Invests $30M to Expand State-Integrated Schools, Add 1,250 Places

The move is aimed at addressing enrolment pressures and providing families with greater educational choice, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

In a major boost for education infrastructure, the New Zealand Government is investing $30 million over the next four years to expand the capacity of state-integrated schools. The move is aimed at addressing enrolment pressures and providing families with greater educational choice, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

Responding to Growth Across the Network

State-integrated schools—institutions with a special character, such as religious or philosophical ethos, that have become part of the state system—have seen a rise in enrolment demand similar to the state school network. Minister Stanford said that the Government recognises the role these schools play in the broader education landscape and is committed to helping them meet their communities' needs.

“State-integrated schools are an important part of our education system,” Stanford said. “It’s clear they are experiencing similar growth pressures to the state network and need support to meet this demand. We are making sure they have the resources to support and grow alongside their communities.”

A Significant Funding Boost

The $30 million investment will be distributed evenly over the next four years—equating to $7.5 million annually—and is expected to deliver up to 1,250 new student places in state-integrated schools. This represents a more than five-fold increase compared to the previous government's funding commitment to the same sector.

Funding will go toward the construction of new roll-growth classrooms using cost-effective and modern building approaches, including standardised repeatable designs and offsite manufactured (OSM) buildings. These methods aim to maximise value for money, reduce construction timeframes, and ensure more students benefit from the funding.

Focus on Quality and Choice

Minister Stanford emphasised that the Government’s approach to education is grounded in providing both quality and choice to parents and students. “This Government is committed to providing parents with choice and high-quality schooling options for their children’s education,” she said.

The additional classrooms will help alleviate pressure on schools that are currently at or near capacity. It will also ensure that families who opt for state-integrated schooling—whether for religious, cultural, or educational reasons—can continue to do so with confidence that infrastructure will keep pace with demand.

“Integrated schools will be able to expand, giving students and teachers the spaces they need to thrive,” Stanford added.

Application Process and Delivery Timelines

Schools within the state-integrated network will be able to apply for the funding in the coming weeks. Once approved, the Ministry of Education will work closely with proprietors and boards of trustees to ensure that construction is delivered on time and within budget.

By leveraging modern construction methods, the Government expects to reduce project costs and complete buildings faster than traditional classroom builds. This agile approach has been used successfully in the state sector and will now be deployed to the benefit of integrated schools as well.

Strengthening the Broader Education System

The initiative is part of the Government’s wider education strategy, which includes improving student achievement, addressing learning loss, and ensuring school environments are safe and conducive to learning.

Minister Stanford noted that increasing capacity in state-integrated schools not only provides more options to parents, but also eases pressure on neighbouring state schools, which may otherwise struggle to accommodate growing populations.

Community Support and Educational Diversity

State-integrated schools cater to a wide variety of educational philosophies, including Catholic, Steiner, Māori immersion, and other special character models. Their inclusion in the public education system ensures that New Zealand's schooling options reflect its cultural and social diversity.

This latest funding package signals the Government’s recognition of that diversity, and its commitment to a pluralistic, inclusive education system that empowers parents to make choices aligned with their values and beliefs.

As the roll-growth programme rolls out over the coming years, thousands of students will benefit from new, modern classrooms designed to enhance learning environments and ensure that all learners have access to fit-for-purpose educational spaces.