The Government has announced that all new classrooms will no longer be built using open-plan designs.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said feedback from schools suggested open-plan layouts were not meeting the needs of students. While the design was originally intended to support collaboration, some schools reported issues with noise and managing behaviour.

“All new classrooms will now be built using standard designs that allow flexibility,” Stanford said. “For example, glass sliding doors can be used to open or close spaces depending on the activity.”

The decision is part of a broader focus on improving student achievement and ensuring school infrastructure supports a range of teaching styles.

The Government said that since taking office it has not built any open-plan classrooms except where specifically requested. It also said changes to building design have lowered the average cost of classrooms by 28 percent, allowing more to be delivered. In 2025, the average cost of a new classroom is $620,000, compared to $1.2 million in 2023.

As part of this rollout, the Government has confirmed $25 million in new classroom investment for Wellington, targeted at schools in areas of population growth.

The schools receiving new classrooms include:

• Newlands Intermediate: 10 classrooms

• Aotea College: 16 classrooms

The Ministry of Education said construction is expected to begin within the next 12 months.