Aotea primary school won’t happen soon
The Ministry of Education has signalled Aotea does not yet have the population for a primary school.
While Katrina Casey, the Ministry head of sector enablement and support, said no decision had been finalised, population growth showed an additional school will not likely happen in the short term.
‘‘We continually monitor population changes around the country to identify areas where schools may need extra help to manage school rolls,’’ she said. ‘‘Our projections indicate that there is some growth in the Aotea/Papakowhai area [but] our assessment right now, based on Statistics New Zealand population projections and the number of dwellings over the next five years from local developers, shows an additional school is not currently needed.’’
‘‘Our projections indicate . . . an additional school is not currently needed.’’
Most of Aotea, which has nearly 1400 homes, is zoned for Papakowhai School.
Rodney Strong, chairman of Aotea Residents Association, had a meeting with Ministry representatives in March, armed with a 500-signature petition in support of building a school on land set aside by developer Carrus.
The land is on Frances Brown Ave, but it is understood Carrus would revert this back to residential if there is no indication from the Ministry to build a school.
Strong said a school could become a focal point for the community and parents wanted to walk their children there each day.
Casey said monitoring popu- lation numbers in the short and long term will continue, but working with existing schools near Aotea was the best course of action.
‘‘We’ll work with schools to help them manage their enrol- ment schemes to ensure there is enough room for local kids to attend their local school. Also, where there are particular pressures, we can provide additional teaching spaces at some schools.’’