"The feedback I have received from staff, students and whānau of the two closing schools, and iwi and other stakeholders, tells me just how important this decision is for the community."
Both Hāwera Intermediate School and Hāwera High School were waiting for substantial rebuilding projects.
A large part of the intermediate was destroyed by a fire in 2015 and the high school has historical issues with weather tightness and earthquake strengthening.
Whilst there was some support to close the intermediate school and have a number of local primary schools pick up students to Year 8, there was more support for a new school for Year 7 to Year 13 students.
"This replacement school will provide a fresh start for secondary education in Hāwera, and a chance to partner further with iwi to continue to strengthen outcomes for Māori students and all of the young people in the area," said Hipkins.
Local iwi Ngāti Ruanui have "grave concerns" that the review doesn't go far enough, saying it fails to encompass the connection to iwi, whenua and uri.
"The review needed to assure quality education outcomes for our tamariki, rangatahi and mokopuna. With this announcement, we are still seeking that certainty," said iwi chairman, Haimona Maruera.
"In a July submission on the Hāwera education review, Ngāti Ruanui urged that the Government include iwi in the creation of the new schooling model from design to implementation.
"We urged them to include iwi representation on the school board. Buildings and whare that both reflect us and implement tikanga. Staffing with teachers that reflect our aspirations and community. Today, we were let down."
Ngāti Ruanui kaiwhakahaere Rachel Rae said it was important that the model reflects the educational aspirations of the people, including iwi, hapū and whānau, whilst also appreciating the whenua the school is built upon.
"Ultimately, we need reassuring that the model is extensively resourced to address the deficit in education that our tamariki of Ngāti Ruanui find themselves in.
"The effects of colonisation, muru raupatu and systemic racism within the system, contribute to the significant deficit in education. Today's review does nothing to rectify these effects."
The new school is to be developed on the high school site in Camberwell Road, as it has more land than the intermediate site, better access, and is closer to community facilities.
"Scoping work will start soon on how the development will be staged, with the community to be kept informed of progress throughout," Hipkins said.
