Million dollar boost for more classrooms in Bay

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye has announced $1.2 million for more classrooms at Omokoroa. Photo/file

About $1.2 million has been announced to fund more classrooms in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye said the money would help build three more classroooms at Omokoroa Point School.

"Tauranga is one of New Zealand's fastest growing locations, and we're committed to providing extra capacity there to meet growing school rolls," Ms Kaye said.

"Omokoroa Point School is situated in a fabulous part of the country, overlooking Tauranga Harbour, Matakana Island and the Kaimai Ranges.

"Nearby residential subdivisions and a recently announced Special Housing Area will have a significant impact on the school's roll, and we're acting now to accommodate this expected growth.

"I'd like to acknowledge local MP Todd Muller, who is a passionate advocate for the fast-growing Omokoroa community and the importance of ensuring that the local school network can accommodate the new families moving into the area."

A feasibility study is underway to establish the best site for the new classrooms.

Ms Kaye said the new classrooms could be modular buildings, which met standards of modern, permanent structures but had the advantage of being very adaptable.

Today's announcement builds on other recent projects approved to help grow the Tauranga school network.

"Last month, Minister Parata signed an establishment notice for a new school at Pyes Pa, an $18 million project that will accommodate a roll of 650 students," Ms Kaye said.

"Over the past 12 months, new classrooms have also been approved for Oropi School, Welcome Bay School, Maungatapu School and Matua Primary School."

More than $5 billion has been committed for new and upgraded schools and classrooms in New Zealand since 2008.