$2.1m to be spent on new classrooms in Wellington, Kapiti

Rangikura School in Porirua is set to get a new classroom as part of a $2.1m investment in schools in the Wellington region.

Six new classrooms will be built at schools in Wellington at Kapiti at a cost of $2.1 million.

Education Minister Hekia Parata announced this morning that Rangikura School in Porirua would get one new classroom, Te Kura-a-Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano in Otaki would get two and Kimi Ora School in Lower Hutt would soon have three new classrooms.

"This is part of a second round of investments in new classrooms under Budget 2016, which provides $882.5 million for school property, including 480 new classrooms to meet roll growth," Parata said.

"We're committed to providing new classrooms for schools that need extra capacity."

The first round of investments saw $4m announced for 14 new classrooms in the greater Wellington region, including Wairarapa.

"As well as new classrooms, we've also been investing in redevelopments to address leaky buildings and modernise local schools," said Parata.

Since November last year, almost $100 million has been announced for major redevelopments at Aotea College, Wellington East Girls' College, Thorndon School, Newtown School, Kelburn Normal School, Khandallah School and Ngaio School.

"We want to support students to achieve to the very best of their potential, and providing the right physical learning environment is an important part of this," said the Minister.

Parata said further announcements would be made next week, as part of the second round of investments in roll growth classrooms.

A third round is expected in February.