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Selwyn, one of the fastest growing districts in the country, is getting more than $100m in funding to build two new primary schools and 52 new classrooms at existing schools.

The population of Selwyn grew 29% between 2018 and 2023. Education Minister Erica Stanford said the community had been “loud and clear” that they did not have enough classroom space to keep up with demand.”

The central Canterbury district will get a new primary school in Lincoln and Prebbleton. New classrooms at existing schools include:

• Ten classrooms at Lincoln Primary School.
• A 12-classroom expansion for Ararira Springs Primary School in Lincoln, including two learning support spaces.  
• A six-classroom expansion at Te Rōhotu Whio Primary School in Rolleston.  
• An expansion at Te Rau Horopito, including 12 classrooms, six outside technology spaces and multipurpose space.  
• A 12-classroom expansion and admin space at the new campus for Rolleston College.  

Another $53m is being put into the wider Canterbury region, including a new 12-classroom primary school on Milns Rd in Halswell.

The funding will also add 37 new classrooms at 10 schools:

• Eight classrooms at Woodend School.
• Two classrooms for Sefton School.
• Four classrooms at Addington Te Kura Taumatua.
• Two classrooms at Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo.
• Four classrooms at Te Kura o te Tauawa Halswell School.
• Three classrooms at Wigram Primary School – Te Piki Kāhu.
• Two classrooms for Te Kura o Mōkihi Spreydon School.
• Four classrooms at Christchurch East School.
• Four classrooms for Knights Stream School – Mingimingi Hautoa.
• Four classrooms for Pareawa Banks Avenue School.
• Two classrooms for Hinds School in Mid-Canterbury. 

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Information from the Ministry of Education shows the combined $161m investment in Canterbury schools and classrooms would add space for almost 2500 more students.

Construction on these projects would begin in the next six-12 months.

“Delivering this scale of projects in Canterbury was made possible by the Government driving efficiencies in school property delivery,” Stanford said.

“The use of standardised building designs, offsite manufacturing, and streamlining procurement have lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%. This has allowed 30% more classrooms to be delivered last year compared to the year before.”

Yesterday, Stanford announced a $35m well overdue upgrade for a Wellington kura kaupapa, where students have been learning in dilapidated and inadequate classrooms for year.

School tumuaki Rawiri Wright said whānau and children were “delighted” but the moment was “bittersweet” as Wright thought about the many other kura that were not getting funding and renovations they needed.

“The general public has no idea of the extent of resource inequity kura kaupapa Māori has had to endure over the past 40 years.”

Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter. She joined the Herald in 2020 and has most recently focused on data journalism.