Queenstown to get new school

A new school will be built in the Queenstown area and 20 new classrooms built across Otago and Southland as the Government invests $27 million in the districts’ education infrastructure.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced yesterday that $17m had been earmarked for a new primary school in the Wakatipu Basin, providing space for another 400 students.

Another $10m would be provided for up to 20 new classrooms, accommodating 440 students, at five schools in Otago and Southland.

The new classrooms will be constructed at Shotover Primary School (six new classrooms providing 132 student places), Alexandra School (four classrooms providing 88 places), Hawea Flat School in Wanaka (four classrooms providing 88 places), Garston School (three classroom providing 66 places), and Cromwell Primary School (three classrooms providing 66 places).

"We know Queenstown is one of the fastest growing areas in the country and we need to be ready for it,’’ Hipkins said.

‘‘The plan forecasts new classrooms and schools for about 5000 extra students may be needed in Otago and Southland’s highest growth areas by 2030.’’

Some schools had been making do by using libraries and schools halls when their rolls increased, he said. ‘‘We need to make sure families in some of our fastest growing areas around the country can be confident their local schools will have enough space for their kids.’’

Yesterday’s announcement was part of the Government’s wider National Education Growth Plan (NEGP), which expected an extra 100,000 new student places would be needed across the country by 2030. ‘‘This is a $27 million investment in Southland and Otago schools, and further announcements will be made for schools in these regions when planning is more advanced,’’ Hipkins said.