About the New Zealand School Property Agency#

The New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) will be established as a Crown entity to manage, plan, build, maintain and administer the education property portfolio.  

The purpose of NZSPA will be to make sure 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.

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 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 essential changes to the school property system so it delivers effectively for students and schools.

On 23 June 2026, the Government passed the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill. This Bill introduced a range of reforms that aim to clarify key roles and responsibilities across the education system, including the establishment of the NZSPA. It also progresses changes to the regulation of workforce, curriculum and attendance.

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill

The transition process#

A School Property Establishment Board has been set up to support the transition to the new agency.  

There are no immediate changes for schools or school boards. Our priority is to keep delivering quality school property services. 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.

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. All existing education property leasing and occupancy arrangements that the Ministry of Education holds will automatically transfer over to the NZSPA on the same terms and conditions. 

Decisions on education policy, network and roll growth, including which schools will receive additional teaching spaces, remain with us.

Engaging with us#

Schools should continue to work with the School Property team or their local property advisor for day-to-day property support.

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 principals and school boards.

We will provide information and resources to help school property stakeholders, suppliers and schools get ready for when NZSPA launches. This information will outline everything you need to know, including changes to things like purchase orders, invoicing and retentions.

For more information, email us: [email protected]