The New Zealand government has announced a $28 million investment to build 20 new “safe, warm and dry classrooms” for tamariki in Māori full immersion schools.
Eight classrooms will be built at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Ara Whanui in Lower Hutt, six at Te Wharekura o Arowhenua in Invercargill, and four at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga in Kaikohe.
Two classrooms will also be established at Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa in Hamilton.
“This Matariki, I am proud to be celebrating the Māori New Year with investing in the future of our tāmariki so they have the spaces and support they need to flourish,” Minister of Education Erica Stanford said.
“Safe, warm and dry learning environments are essential for effective teaching and learning,” she added.
Building work on the modular classrooms is anticipated to start within the coming 12 months.
“By using modular construction, we can deliver classrooms more quickly and make our investment go further.”
Stanford said it is included in a $50 million budget allocation which aims to provide 50 new classrooms for Māori medium and Kaupapa Māori education.
“We remain committed to properly resourcing our bilingual education system and lifting achievement for Māori students,” Stanford said.
“That includes ensuring our tāmariki have warm, safe and dry classrooms to thrive in.”