Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed a further $301 million will be spent to help Christchurch schools recover from earthquake damage.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was in Christchurch today to announce the extra funding.

Mr Hipkins said the funding was needed to complete the projects to build, rebuild or refurbish 115 schools within the next two years.

With 81 schools’ construction already complete, it brings government funding for the Christchurch Schools Rebuild to $1.6 billion since 2013.

“As Education Minister I have had the absolute privilege of seeing new schools open, built from scratch or restored around Christchurch over the past five years,” he said.

“This is a city that went through so much in 2010 and 2011. Especially now, following Cyclone Gabrielle and the devastation that has caused across the North Island, it is incredibly heartening to see how far Christchurch has come since then.

“I know this additional funding will give certainty to the remaining schools in the programme.”

Hipkins said work on 27 of the remaining schools was already under way, with five in planning and design stages and two yet to enter the programme.