Continued Investment in School Infrastructure
Budget 2022 provides continued investment in school infrastructure, totalling $777 million in capital investment. This builds on the $2.9 billion provided through successive Budgets, since 2018.
$280 million capital funding to continue to deliver the National Education Growth Plan
This funding provides classrooms for schools with growing rolls.
What is the NEGP?
The NEGP aims to address critical growth pressure in the school network. By increasing school capacity, overcrowding in classrooms is reduced, with positive effects on student learning and ability to participate.
How many student places have been funded so far and how many will this add?
About 53,000 student places have been funded in recent budget rounds. This initiative will fund delivery of about 6,000 more. The programme will be implemented through the Ministry’s Capital Works and Infrastructure Advisory Teams, with quarterly updates to the Minister.
$24.3 million ongoing annual capital funding provided directly to schools for replacing furniture and equipment
This funding adjusts the Funding and Equipment rate so that schools can properly maintain and upgrade their furniture and equipment. Funding will be provided directly to schools as part of the 5YA property process.
$85 million capital funding for land purchases for new schools
Funding will be used to purchase land for new schools, which is fundamental to delivery of the National Education Growth Plan and expanding the School Property Portfolio to meet demand across New Zealand.
$88 million capital funding to continue the Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme
The Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme, implemented after the Canterbury Earthquakes, is now in its ninth year. When finished, it will have built or updated 115 schools attended by about 45,000 students.
Where is the programme at now?
As at 28 February, 72 school projects have been completed, of the remaining 43 schools, 22 are in construction, 19 in various stages of planning and design, and two yet to start planning and design. 19 of those 43 schools are expected to be completed by mid-2023.
What would happen without this funding?
The programme could not continue at the same rate and would need to slow down while the Ministry found alternative sources of funding from elsewhere in its budget. Some schools would continue to operate out of substandard facilities for longer, resulting in poorer educational and wellbeing outcomes for those students.
$105 million capital funding for Māori Medium kura
Funding will ensure Māori Medium and Kaupapa Māori kura have good quality classrooms and to purchase new sites for kura.
What will this fund?
Funding will be used for the redevelopment of three kura. Funding will purchase land for up to six kura currently teaching at temporary sites. It will also be used for planning and design work for selected kura needing redevelopment.
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