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About the New Zealand School Property Agency#
In 2025, the Government announced a Crown agent to manage school property would be set up. This agency will be the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA).
The purpose of NZSPA will be to make sure that children can learn in safe, warm and dry buildings. It will provide improved property services, focusing on value for money and supported by clear leadership and oversight to make sure the Government’s investment in school property is well-managed.
The NZSPA is expected to be operational later this year.
Why the NZSPA is being set up#
The Ministerial inquiry into school property showed a need for change to the school property system.
Schools told us that the current ‘one size fits all’ operating model does not reflect the different needs of schools across New Zealand.
The Government agreed to establish the NZSPA to drive critical changes to the school property system so that it delivers effectively for students and schools.
The transition process #
The creation of a new agency to deliver school property services is a significant undertaking.
The establishment board has been set up to support the transition to the new agency.
Delivering quality school property services remains our priority. Existing school property plans or projects are not affected, and our focus remains on delivering warm, safe and dry classrooms across the school property portfolio. There are no immediate changes for schools or school boards.
Once it is established, the NZSPA will be responsible for planning, building, maintaining and administrating the school property portfolio.
The responsibility for education property and land will transfer to the NZSPA when it is established. Education property, including land currently owned by the Crown, will continue to be owned by the Crown. Approximately 700 Te Kōhanga Reo and ECEs lease education property and land. We expect that existing terms and conditions will continue to be honoured and there will be minimal disruption to ongoing operations, with details being worked through before NZSPA is established.
Decisions on education policy, network and roll growth, including which schools will receive additional teaching spaces, remain with the Ministry of Education.
Engaging with us#
An establishment team sits within the Ministry of Education and is supporting the transition to the new school property agency. The support includes work around how the Ministry and the NZSPA will work together effectively.
The establishment board is also engaging with school principals and boards across the country. Schools should continue to contact their existing property advisor for day-to-day property support.
We'll keep schools and stakeholders updated as the transition progresses.
For more information, email us.
Email: [email protected]
Mōhiohio anō
