Selwyn schools will receive a major boost, with a new primary school for Lincoln South, extra classrooms at Darfield School and Darfield High School, and the next expansion at Rolleston College.

The Selwyn investment includes:

A new 18 classroom primary school for Lincoln South

4 additional classrooms at Darfield School

6 additional classrooms at Darfield High School

The next expansion at Rolleston College

Education Minister Erica Stanford announced a $62.5 million investment package for South Island schools during a visit to Darfield High School today.

The funding will deliver 59 additional classrooms across the South Island, with 7 Canterbury schools receiving new classrooms.

Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg said the investment recognised pressure on schools from rapid population growth across the district.

“Selwyn is the fastest growing district in the country, for all the right reasons, so it’s important we get ahead of population pressures by investing in education infrastructure now, to keep up with further growth,” Grigg said.

Stanford said “Christchurch’s western suburbs are growing rapidly. We are seeing strong housing development in Rolleston, Lincoln and Darfield. As more families move into these areas, we need to build more classrooms to keep up with demand.”

“Today’s investment is allowing us to get ahead of demand, so schools are ready for the young families arriving in these communities,” Stanford said.

The Canterbury investment includes the Lincoln South school, extra classrooms at Darfield School and Darfield High School, 4 additional classrooms at Somerfield School, 2 additional classrooms at Allenton School, 2 additional classrooms at Amuri Area School, and the next expansion at Rolleston College.

Other South Island schools receiving extra classrooms include Fiordland College, Heddon Bush School, South Westland Area School and Hāwea Flat School.

The Government is also investing in learning support, with 2 additional classrooms at Maitai School and 2 learning support satellite classrooms for Maitai School at Springlands School.

Grigg said she had worked with local principals and Education Minister Erica Stanford to make sure Selwyn’s needs were being recognised.

“As we welcome new families to Darfield, Lincoln and Rolleston, we want them to be assured that their children will grow and succeed with their education at our incredible schools.”

Stanford said “We are taking a practical, value for money approach to delivery. We’ve significantly reduced the average cost of a classroom through increasing the use of standard or modular builds, which allows us to get spades in the ground faster, deliver classrooms at a lower cost and make every dollar go further.”

Minister for the South Island James Meager said “this investment is great news for South Island families and communities. National is committed to fixing the basics and building the future, and this package provides confidence that school infrastructure is keeping pace with growth.

“From Canterbury to Southland and the West Coast, this funding is about making sure South Island students have the classrooms and learning environments they need to thrive.

“We’re seeing strong growth in several South Island communities, and this investment helps ensure local schools can meet that demand and plan for the future.

“As South Island Minister, I know how important it is that growing communities aren’t left behind when it comes to essential infrastructure like schools.”

Funding has also been set aside to purchase a site for a future new high school in Queenstown. 4 South Island schools will receive funding to address long standing condition issues. They are Amuri Area School, Logan Park High School, Southland Boys High School and Southland Girls High School.

Stanford said more announcements were expected in the coming weeks.

“Families can have confidence that we are planning ahead and investing in school property when and where it is needed most.”