22 November 2004

Schools to receive $60 million for new buildings

More than 130 schools around the country are set to receive around $60 million to build new school buildings, Education Minister Trevor Mallard, announced today.

“This funding is part of the School Property Guide (Deficiencies) Programme and will enable more than 130 schools to build new facilities,” Trevor Mallard said.

“It will mean schools can better accommodate increased numbers of students and teachers and provide modern and in many cases purpose-built environments for better teaching and learning.

"Our government is committed to high education standards across the board for young New Zealanders. Providing modern, up-to-date, enjoyable and safe learning environments is essential for students. As a government, we are also keen to ensure that schools are attractive, modern and well maintained assets for local communities.

“The government has made education a top priority for investment because we want to ensure that all New Zealanders have the opportunity to succeed.

“In the past, schools have used money from this Property Guide programme to provide a wide range of facilities including administration blocks, halls and gymnasia.

“I’m pleased to be able to give these schools the opportunity to address areas where their current property is not as good as it could be,” said Trevor Mallard.

The School Property Guide Programme has been operating since 1999 and has provided funding to nearly 300 schools to date.

“Schools will be able to combine this funding with other property budgets they already have, such as the schools’ five-year property programme (for improvements to existing buildings), to add new buildings and upgrade existing property at the same time,” said Trevor Mallard.

The five-year property programme has been operating since 2000. It has been progressively implemented so that now all schools have access to money which is designed to help them modernise and address the health and safety needs of their existing property.

Attached is a fact sheet outlining the government's investment in school property.

ENDS

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