Source: New Zealand Government
Construction is set to begin on the first new specialist school in Drury the first to be built in New Zealand in 50 years while the region is also getting land for a future primary school, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.
The school located in Drury is one of three new specialist schools being delivered, alongside schools in Gisborne and Palmerston North. The new school is planned to open in Term 1, 2028.
The school will have six off-site-manufactured classrooms for up to 54 students with high and complex needs
This forms part of the Government’s wider investment in specialist education infrastructure and learning environments across New Zealand. Since mid-2024, about $320 million has been committed to projects including new schools, additional classrooms, redevelopments, accessibility improvements and maintenance upgrades
“Every child deserves an education setting that meets their needs and helps them learn, grow and succeed,” Ms Stanford says.
“For too long, demand for specialist education has exceeded available places, leaving many families with long waits and limited options. Significant waiting lists remain across Auckland’s specialist schools, so we needed to act.”
“We are giving families more choice by expanding access to specialist education and enabling more students to learn in environments designed for their needs.
As construction begins on Drury Specialist School and we work towards its 2028 opening, families can be confident we are strengthening the specialist school network and delivering the infrastructure students need now and in the future.”
The Government is also supporting Auckland’s fast-growing southern communities by progressing plans to secure land for a future primary school in Drury East.
Residential growth in Drury is accelerating. Auckland Council forecasts more than 25,000 new homes over time, supporting a future population of about 60,000.
To meet this growth, the Ministry of Education has been working to include future education provision in residential development planning for Drury East.
A 3.2-hectare site has been identified for a future primary school, with funding allocated for the land purchase. Acquisition is underway and expected to be completed in the coming months.
Editors Note the Dury specialist school will have:
- Six off-site-manufactured classrooms for up to 54 students with high and complex needs
- Whānau and therapy spaces
- Outdoor learning areas and a hard court
- Dedicated pick-up and drop-off facilities
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/29/drury-gets-new-specialist-school-and-land-for-a-new-primary-school/