Wanaka classroom project confirmed

Wanaka Primary School will get four new teaching spaces while Ministry of Education officials negotiate the purchase of a site for a new primary school for the growing town.

The $1.4 million classroom project was officially announced yesterday by Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye.

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean visited the school to confirm the funding to principal Dr Wendy Bamfield, teachers and the board of trustees and explained where things were at with the proposed new school, scheduled to open in 2020-21.

‘‘This is wonderful news for Wanaka Primary, for its teachers and students, and for the community that has supported the school over time,’’ Dean said.

Wanaka Primary’s role is 622, the highest in its 30-year history, and is expected to reach 700 by the end of the year.

Two other primary schools - Holy Family and Hawea Flat - are also experiencing roll growth.

Dean said the Wanaka Primary classroom project had a 12-month construction timeframe. It would help ease congestion and provide great new facilities, she said.

Meanwhile, the ministry has been consulting since 2014 on future education options.

‘‘I have been monitoring the process closely and while there has been concern over the delays, I am pleased to say that we are now seeing some results.

‘‘The preferred site is adjacent to Queenstown Lakes District Council community facilities ... we are looking at having the school up and running by 2020-2021,’’ Dean said.

The new primary school would be another ‘‘great asset’’ for the Upper Clutha and allow educators to continue their outstanding work, she said.

Kaye said the classroom investment recognised that the school supported a growing community.

‘‘Wanaka is a pivotal tourist destination and it continues to grow as a residential centre, as it attracts both tourism sector businesses and those wishing to enjoy the area’s stunning natural environment and other attractions,’’ Kaye said.

‘‘Projections indicate that the community served by Wanaka Primary School will keep growing.’’

The announcement was part of a third round of investments in new classrooms under Budget 2016, which provided $882.5m for school property, including new classrooms nationwide.

Wanaka Primary School’s funding is in addition to the $37m announced in June last year for school property in Otago and Southland.