20 October 2008 Media Statement

$18m in capital funding for Sancta Maria College

Education Minister Chris Carter announced today at the opening of the brand new St Anne teaching block at Sancta Maria College, that the Government has agreed to contribute $18.888 million in capital funding toward the cost of the building.

Sancta Maria School is a year 7 to 13 Catholic state integrated school in Flat Bush, Manukau, and was opened in 2004 for a maximum roll of 1,000. It currently has around 850 students.

Mr Carter said he was very pleased to make this announcement, which covers 85 per cent of the costs of building the new block.

“This decision acknowledges the role of Sancta Maria in contributing to the state education network in the region. Without the college, the government may have needed to build another secondary school in the area,” says Chris Carter.

The decision is based on an agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Proprietors of Integrated Schools in 2005, which also included integrated schools that had been built in the five years prior to its signing. Previously funded schools under the policy are Aquinas College in Tauranga and St Paul’s School in Massey.

“In the area of Sancta Maria’s school zone, covering Flat Bush, Howick, Pakuranga, Beachlands and Maraetai, we estimate space for more than 4000 news students will be required within 10 years time. The college will continue to play a vital role in the network as Manukau is experiencing very strong population growth,” says Chris Carter.

A broader review of Crown funding for capital at state integrated schools is currently being undertaken, with the terms of reference being set in July and a report due to the Minister of Education by the end of the year.

There are currently 327 state integrated schools in New Zealand. School proprietors are responsible for capital works such as new buildings and improvements to existing facilities.

ENDS

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