Government rolls out school growth
Queenstown primary school Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau is set to expand thanks to a multi-million boost from Central Government.
The new building at the Hanley's Farm school will be able to accommodate 12 classes of pupils, around 300 youngsters. That will take the school roll to 750 pupils with a future expansion to more than 1000 planned.
Education Minister Erica Stanford was in Queenstown on Thursday to announce $27 million in funding for the Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau project and also a six-class teaching space at Dunstan High School.
The investment is in addition to the purchase of a site at Ladies Mile in Queenstown last year, which will accommodate a new primary school in the area.
“Queenstown in particular, has had strong and steady growth over the last decade, and we are committed to ensuring they are equipped to teach the basics brilliantly," Stanford says.
"Planning for the two growth projects is underway and is expected to begin in the next 12 months. This means that students, families and the Otago community can benefit sooner."
The Minister says funding for the construction of the new primary school at Ladies Mile will be considered in future years.
"Securing the land at this time means that we will be able to hit ‘go’ on construction when capacity is needed."
The use of standardised building designs and offsite manufacturing have lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%, she adds, allowing 30% more classrooms to be delivered last year compared to 2023.
Queenstown's National MP Joseph Mooney has welcomed the early funding, saying the expansions reflect both the schools' success and the strong population growth in the area.
"This is great news for students, parents and educators, as it means more students have access to a better fit for purpose learning environment," Mooney says. "Parents can feel confident that our local schools are equipped to meet the needs of our growing community.
“Both schools have experienced growth in their student rolls. Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau has expanded rapidly since opening in 2022, with 340 students enrolled in 2024. Dunstan High School has also seen an increase, reaching 599 students in 2024— its highest roll since the Clyde Dam was built in the early 1990s."
Construction for these projects is expected to begin within the next 12 months.
There's no news yet on a new high school site, however, or expansion of Wakatipu High School.
