Government announces $161 million school property investment for Canterbury

The Government has unveiled a $161 million school property investment package for Canterbury in response to rapid population growth across the region.

The funding will deliver close to 2,500 new student places through a mix of new schools, classroom expansions, and property acquisitions.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the announcement responds directly to concerns raised by local communities, particularly in fast-growing Selwyn.

“The Selwyn community has been loud and clear — they don’t have enough classroom space to keep up with demand. We are acting decisively to address this through a comprehensive growth plan to provide certainty and ensure more children can flourish,” Ms Stanford said.

Major investment in Selwyn

A total of $108 million will be spent in Selwyn to deliver a new school with 12 classrooms, 52 new classrooms across existing schools, and the purchase of a site for a future school.

Projects in Selwyn include:

Ten new classrooms at Lincoln Primary School
A 12-classroom expansion at Ararira Springs Primary School, including two learning support spaces
A six-classroom expansion at Te Rōhotu Whio Primary School in Rolleston
A 12-classroom expansion, six outside technology spaces and a multipurpose space at Te Rau Horopito
A 12-classroom expansion and administrative spaces at the new Rolleston College campus
Purchase of a site in Prebbleton for a new primary school, with funding to begin construction on the first stage, including 12 teaching spaces, administration and multipurpose facilities
A site in Lincoln for a future new primary school

MP for Selwyn Nicola Grigg welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant win for the region.

“I am thrilled by this significant investment for Selwyn students at a time of rapid growth in the region,” Ms Grigg said.

“New learning facilities will mean that students in Selwyn will have access to the spaces they need to thrive, and parents can have the confidence to live and work in Selwyn, knowing their kids will have access to a world-leading education.

“This comes as the Government makes the biggest investment in a generation for Learning Support, which will help students who need it the most.”

Ms Grigg said the delivery of these projects was made possible by careful fiscal management and efficiency improvements in school property delivery.

“I have advocated for Selwyn to get the investment it needs to accommodate the rapid growth we are experiencing. It is essential that Selwyn students are given the best opportunities possible, and this starts with adequate and suitable learning environments,” she said.

Wider Canterbury investment

An additional $53 million will fund 51 new classrooms across other parts of Canterbury, including the construction of a new primary school on Milns Road.

Projects include:

A new primary school on Milns Road, including 12 classrooms, an admin block and multipurpose spaces
Eight new classrooms at Woodend School
Two classrooms at Sefton School
Four classrooms at Addington Te Kura Taumatua
Two classrooms at Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo
Four classrooms at Te Kura o te Tauawa Halswell School
Three classrooms at Wigram Primary School – Te Piki Kāhu
Two classrooms at Te Kura o Mōkihi Spreydon School
Four classrooms at Christchurch East School
Four classrooms at Knights Stream School – Mingimingi Hautoa
Four classrooms at Pareawa Banks Avenue School
Two classrooms at Hinds School in Mid Canterbury

Focus on delivery and cost savings

Stanford said the scale of delivery was made possible through a more efficient approach to school property development.

“Delivering this scale of projects in Canterbury was made possible by the Government driving efficiencies in school property delivery. The use of standardised building designs, offsite manufacturing, and streamlined procurement has lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%. This has allowed 30% more classrooms to be delivered last year compared to the year before.”

She said the goal is to deliver warm, safe, and modern learning spaces as quickly as possible.

“All Kiwi kids deserve to thrive at school, and that starts with warm, safe and dry classrooms. Our priority is getting spades in the ground as soon as possible so schools, families and communities have certainty and benefit sooner.”