7. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
What reports has he received on the provision of new schools to meet the needs of growth in the Auckland region?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister of Education) Link to this
I announced yesterday that this Government will invest $237 million over the next 10 years to build seven new schools in Flat Bush, Manukau City. Those schools are part of the strategy to build approximately 40 new schools in the Auckland area over the next 15 years. This is a fantastic opportunity for a community that is projected to include more than 8,500 school-age children by the year 2020.
What else is the Government doing to provide a world-class learning environment for New Zealand students?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
The Government has announced in this year’s Budget a further capital funding increase for schools of $148.9 million, taking the expenditure to $527.8 million in this financial year. Nationwide, that means eight new schools are to be opened in 2007-08, and 250 new classrooms are to be built for schools with roll growth. Penrose High School and Porirua College will be virtually rebuilt. The planning and big investment we have made in property since 1999 means schools can now use funding to continue modernising their buildings and creating the kinds of environments that we need for learning.
Hon Brian Donnelly Link to this
What, in educational parlance, is the difference between a middle school and a junior high school, and, noting that difference, are the years 7 to 10 schools planned for Flat Bush to be middle schools or junior high schools?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
Probably the term “middle school” is the one that best fits the kind of education that will take place in the new schools in Flat Bush. Of course, that will depend a little on the principals and boards of trustees that are put in place. But that is the vision for the Flat Bush area. A school very close to the area, in Albany, also uses the name “junior high”, and it would identify itself as using a middle school approach to teaching and learning.
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
I looked through all 37 submissions yesterday, went back through all of the consultation, and talked to everybody I could possibly get in touch with, to ask why that had not occurred. I found only one person who had asked for it, and he was Bill English.