$10 Million Boost for New Classrooms in Lower North Island

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the funding package will deliver 14 new teaching spaces at schools that are currently operating at or beyond capacity.

The Government has announced a $10 million investment to build new classrooms and learning facilities at schools across the lower North Island, helping address growing student numbers and increasing pressure on existing school infrastructure.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the funding package will deliver 14 new teaching spaces at schools that are currently operating at or beyond capacity. The investment forms part of a wider programme that has seen more than $1.2 billion spent on new classrooms across New Zealand during the past three years.

Under the latest funding round, Feilding High School will receive two new classrooms, Paraparaumu College will gain six classrooms, and Wainuiomata High School will receive four classrooms. Mount Cook School in Wellington will also benefit from two new technology learning spaces designed to support students from across the surrounding community.

Stanford said the additional facilities will help schools accommodate rising enrolments while creating better environments for teaching and learning.

Nearly 1,400 Classrooms Funded Nationwide

The latest announcement brings the total number of new classrooms funded in the lower North Island over the past three years to 153. Across New Zealand, nearly 1,400 new classrooms have been approved during the same period.

The Government says improvements in planning and construction have allowed education funding to stretch further than before. Since July 2024, the average cost of building a classroom has fallen through the use of standardised designs, off-site manufacturing methods and better use of existing school assets.

According to Stanford, these changes have generated around $300 million in savings, which have been redirected into additional education projects. The approach has allowed more classrooms to be delivered while maintaining investment in other areas of the school property portfolio.

Major Upgrades Approved for Aging School Buildings

Alongside new classroom construction, eight schools will receive substantial redevelopment and upgrade funding to address long-standing building condition issues.

The schools selected for major property improvements are Hutt Valley High School, Mana College, Porirua School, Porritt School, Raureka School, Te Paepae o Aotea, Waiopehu College and Waipukurau School.

Many of these schools have been dealing with aging facilities that no longer meet modern learning requirements. The funding will support repairs, upgrades and redevelopment work aimed at improving the quality, safety and functionality of school environments for students and staff.

Stanford said maintaining existing school infrastructure remains a key priority alongside building new facilities. She noted that schools need both adequate space and buildings that are fit for purpose, with the latest investment package designed to support both objectives while strengthening education infrastructure across the region.