Big investment in tech and infrastructure in store for 2015

Investment is schools in 2015 will see major school property developments and technology in classrooms.

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye says the Government will invest $650 million in maintaining, modernising and replacing buildings and infrastructure, with $44m to be spent on technology in schools.

"This Government is committed to ensuring school infrastructure around the country can support modern learning environments, to help bring about the best outcomes for students," she says.

New schools and new classrooms are a top priority. "A number of new schools will open in the next few weeks, and this year will see a continuation of the major redevelopment of existing schools," Kaye says.

The new schools include Ormiston Primary School in Flat Bush, Auckland; Endeavour School in Flagstaff, Hamilton; and Shotover Primary School, near Queenstown.

Kaye says significant redevelopment will be carried out at Otahuhu and Warkworth Schools, and a second public private partnership will commence involving two schools in Christchurch, one in Queenstown and one in Auckland.

Up to 240 extra classrooms will also be provided to schools with increasing rolls.

"Last year, the Government committed to accelerating new schools and major redevelopment in Auckland, totalling $350 million, and this will also be a major priority," says Kaye.

"It's important we get ahead of demand to ensure there's sufficient school capacity in our biggest city, and we've begun moving to acquire sites to meet the needs of Auckland's rapid population growth.

Kaye says she expect to make further announcements about this and other school infrastructure developments during 2015.

Breakdown of infrastructure investment for 2015 calendar year Maintaining and modernising existing portfolio $382 million Expanding portfolio (new schools, kura and classroom additions) $169 million Christchurch schools rebuild $58 million Technology in schools $44 million