06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
265 views
The Government is investing in 12 new permanent classrooms at Wakatipu High School to address Queenstown’s rapidly growing secondary education demand, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion by mid-2028. The expansion includes specialist and general teaching spaces and supports future growth alongside plans for a second secondary school, reflecting a broader commitment to upgrading school infrastructure across New Zealand. Additionally, funding is allocated for a pilot project converting open plan classrooms into enclosed learning spaces at Wakatipu and five other schools to enhance learning environments.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
365 views
The New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) has officially begun operations to improve transparency, service quality, and commercial discipline in managing school property, separating these responsibilities from the Ministry of Education's policy and network decisions. The Government has invested $2.7 billion across three budgets to fund nearly 1,600 new classrooms, specialist schools, and maintenance upgrades, while adopting cost-saving measures like offsite construction to reduce classroom costs significantly. NZSPA, governed by a skilled board, aims to provide a clear, value-for-money investment pipeline and long-term infrastructure planning for school properties nationwide.
23 Jul 2026
3 months ago
784 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the appointment of the Board for the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA), a new Crown entity established to improve the planning, building, maintenance, and administration of school properties nationwide. The Board, led by Hon Murray McCully and composed of experts in governance, finance, infrastructure, and property, aims to bring commercial discipline, faster delivery, and better value for money to address the previously crisis-level school property system. This initiative follows significant progress in reducing classroom costs and improving facilities, with the Board now focused on driving accountability, efficiency, and practical results for schools, students, and taxpayers.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
896 views
New Zealand’s Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill, passed at its Third Reading, introduces major reforms to clarify roles, improve oversight, and enhance support for schools, teachers, and learners. Key changes include establishing the New Zealand School Property Agency, transferring regulatory functions to the Education Review Office, reforming the Teaching Council’s role with a focus on student safety, and strengthening curriculum review and attendance processes. These reforms aim to reduce duplication, foster agency collaboration, and ultimately improve outcomes for students and their families.
18 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2244 views
The Government is establishing the New Zealand School Property Agency to address issues in the school property system, including high costs, delays, and inefficiencies. The agency will be a separate entity responsible for planning, building, and maintaining school properties, allowing the Ministry of Education to focus on education policy. The new agency aims to improve project delivery, transparency, and value for money in managing the school property portfolio, with a dedicated board overseeing informed investment decisions.