By REBECCA WALSH education reporter
Two secondary schools, expected to cost up to $20 million each, will open in Manurewa East and Howick South in 2004.
Karl Hutton, Ministry of Education district property manager, said a consultant had been appointed to talk to local authorities, neighbouring schools, parents and iwi about the shape of the first state secondary schools to be built since 1979.
"Education delivery has changed in the past 20 years.
"What will happen in the next 20? We have to build something that will endure all that," Mr Hutton said.
Population growth has forced the need for more schools in the areas.
Statistics New Zealand projections show the secondary school-age population in the Howick/Pakuranga area will grow by 2200 over the next two decades.
The student population in the Manurewa/Papakura area is expected to grow by 4700 over the same period.
Mr Hutton said the schools were projected to cater for up to 1500 students.
It was planned to start with a third-form intake in 2004.
A third secondary school is expected to open in Albany in 2005.
Mr Hutton said a new primary school would open in Howick South next year and another three primary schools were projected to open in 2002.
They would be in Manurewa East, Henderson and the Albany Basin.
The Mayor of Manukau City, Sir Barry Curtis, said he was thrilled that the ministry had "become proactive" in planning for population surges.
The proposed colleges were desperately needed to cope with the growth.
Sir Barry said that because these would be the first secondary schools built in New Zealand for 20 years, "Manukau City people have a chance to push for schools that will serve the needs of our community as well as educate our children.
"The public can depart from the model of yesteryear schools and help create centres for community interaction and arts and culture."
New secondary schools will cater for growing student population
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