New school for Papamoa as part of $30m education package

Education Minister Nikki Kaye at Pillans Point School, where she has announced a $30m package for the Tauranga area, which includes a new school for Papamoa. Photo/file

A new school has been announced for Papamoa.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe announced they would inject $21 million into the new school while visiting Tauranga today.

The new school is expected to accommodate a roll of 400 students and its financial support from the Government was announced as part of a wider investment into Bay of Plenty schools this morning.

Ms Kaye and Mr Macindoe visited Pillan's Point School, which will receive about $5m to provide nine new classrooms - consisting of five extra and four replacement classrooms. They were joined by Tauranga and Bay of Plenty MPs Simon Bridges and Todd Muller.

Another $4m was announced to help expand Golden Sands School to accommodate a further 150 students.

"This is one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand, and the Government is committed to building new schools and classrooms where there's sustained demand for more student places," Ms Kaye said.

"Since 2008, we've undertaken the largest ever investment in school infrastructure by a New Zealand government.

"All up, we have now committed well over $5 billion towards upgrading and expanding schools nationwide."

Mr Macindoe says today's announcement follows significant recent investment in Bay of Plenty schools.

"Earlier this year, $1.2m was announced for three extra classrooms at Omokoroa Point School, and an establishment notice was signed for the new $18m school at Pyes Pa, which will accommodate 650 students," Mr Macindoe said.

"Since 2016, new classrooms have also been announced for Oropi School, Welcome Bay School, Maungatapu School, Katikati Primary School and Matua Primary School.

The investment announced today is part of a $456.5m investment in education infrastructure and associated operating costs as part of this year's Budget.

Further announcements will be made about investments in school property under Budget 2017 in the coming weeks.