Source: New Zealand Government
This Government is delivering a further 20 new specialist classrooms across nine schools, giving students the support they need, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
This $23 million investment brings the government’s total investment in specialist education infrastructure to more than $317 million, helping students with high and complex learning support needs access environments built for their needs.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed in a classroom that supports them. For decades, while adults have argued about inclusion, children with high and complex needs have been waiting for action. This Government has drawn a line in the sand: inclusion is choice, and special education is a vital part of the schooling network, providing options for families,” Ms Stanford says.
In total, the $317 million funded delivers:
- 142 new specialist classrooms
- Three new specialist schools – in Drury, Palmerston North and Gisborne – the first built in New Zealand in nearly 50 years
- Comprehensive redevelopments at six existing specialist schools
“Demand for specialist learning environments continues to grow – these projects will help ensure parents have choice and students can access the support they need throughout their education journey,” Ms Stanford says.
Note to editors:
Schools receiving additional specialist classrooms:
- Hamilton North School will receive four new classrooms (at the base special school).
- Tāmaki College will receive two specialist classrooms, plus another two satellite classrooms for Sommerville School (the base special school).
- Te Aroha College will receive two satellite classrooms for Goldfields School (the base special school).
- Fairfield Intermediate will receive two satellite classrooms for Patricia Avenue School (the base special school).
- Mt Eden Normal School will receive two satellite classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School (the base special school).
- Royal Oak Intermediate will receive two satellite classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School (the base special school).
- Kaitaia College will receive one satellite classroom for Blomfield Special School and Resource Centre (the base special school).
- Nga Iwi School will receive two satellite classrooms for Sir Keith Park School (the base special school).
- Green Bay Primary School will receive one satellite classroom for Oaklynn Special School (the base special school).
Definitions
Base Special School Classrooms – classrooms that are on the base site of a special school.
Satellite Classrooms – associated with a base special school, but located on the site of another school.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/21/closer-to-home-20-new-specialist-classrooms/