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 so children and young people can learn and thrive. 

The NZSPA will provide improved property services, get better value for money, give better service to schools and have greater transparency. This will enable better planning.

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 6 July 2026, the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Act came into force. This Act 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 Act 2026

The transition process#

A School Property Establishment Board has been set up to support the transition to the new agency. On 1 October 2026, the NZSPA Board, appointed in July 2026 by Education Minister Erica Stanford, will replace the establishment board.

School Property Establishment Board

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. 

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.

We are sharing information to help school property stakeholders, suppliers and schools get ready for when NZSPA launches. This information will include updates on things such as financial records and invoices.

For more information, email us: [email protected]