The Government has allocated $27 million for the expansion of school infrastructure in Otago, addressing the overcrowding issue at a Queenstown primary school that had to convert its library into teaching space to accommodate extra students.
Education Minister Erica Stanford revealed that the investment will result in the construction of 12 new classrooms at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau in Queenstown, along with six additional classrooms at Dunstan High School in Alexandra.
The construction of the new classrooms is scheduled to commence within the next year.
During the announcement at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau, Stanford emphasized the urgent need for additional classrooms due to the school already operating beyond its capacity of 450 students since opening in 2022.
“The rapid growth in this area has led to unconventional use of spaces as classrooms, highlighting the necessity for the timely construction of these new facilities,” Stanford stated.
The 12 extra classrooms are part of the school’s ‘Phase II’ expansion plan, which aims to accommodate over 1000 students in the long run.
Principal Tania McNamara expressed her excitement over the Government’s recognition of the school’s requirements, noting the community’s support for the makeshift learning arrangements while anticipating purpose-built spaces.
In addition to the expansion at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau, the Government had previously acquired a site at Ladies Mile in Queenstown for a new primary school, with funding for its construction to be considered in the future.
“Securing the land now ensures that we are prepared to commence construction promptly when the need for additional school capacity arises,” Stanford explained.
