Govt Invests $120M to Build 137 Classrooms, New Schools Across Auckland

In a decisive move to address rapid population growth and swelling school rolls, the New Zealand Government has announced a $120 million investment to expand classroom capacity across Auckland. Education Minister Erica Stanford revealed that 137 new classrooms will be delivered through Budget 2025, creating space for over 3,000 additional students across the region.

This large-scale investment will ensure that students can learn in safe, warm, and dry environments, while enabling schools to keep up with the booming demand for education infrastructure in Auckland—New Zealand’s fastest-growing urban area.

Meeting Auckland's Education Needs

“Auckland is booming, and we are stepping up by investing heavily in extra classrooms to support the city’s rapid growth,” said Minister Stanford. “We’re delivering these through a combination of cost-effective, repeatable designs and offsite manufactured buildings, so our funding can go further and more students benefit.”

The 137 new classrooms will support 3,014 new student placements, significantly boosting Auckland’s capacity to provide quality education in modern facilities. The Government’s approach aims to future-proof the school network while ensuring construction is completed efficiently.

Schools Benefiting from the Investment

The classroom rollout will support a broad cross-section of Auckland schools. Key beneficiaries include:

• Orewa College – 12 classrooms

• Rangitoto College – 10 classrooms

• Papakura Normal School – 10 classrooms (in addition to two learning support rooms)

• Macleans College, Massey High School, Northcross Intermediate – 8 classrooms each

• Several others including Mountain View, Papatoetoe Intermediate, and Tuakau College will receive between 4–6 classrooms.

Each of these projects is expected to begin construction within the next 12 months, forming part of a region-wide initiative to ensure all learners have access to fit-for-purpose facilities.

New Schools in the Pipeline

In addition to classroom expansions, the Government is making strategic investments in new schools to accommodate future growth:

• A new primary school in Pōkeno has been confirmed, with land purchased and planning underway.

• A Junior College in Chapel Downs will be established on the grounds of Chapel Downs Primary School, with opening targeted for Term 1, 2027. It will begin with an initial roll of up to 270 students, growing to a projected 1,000 students over time.

The initiative complements existing Budget 2024 investments, which include:

• Te Kura Rau Iti in Flat Bush, currently in the final stages of construction and set to open in Term 1, 2026.

• A new primary school in Massey Redhills, already under construction, also due to open in Term 1, 2027.

These additions reflect the Government’s commitment to scaling educational infrastructure in tandem with Auckland’s urban development.

Supporting Economic and Community Growth

Minister Stanford emphasized the broader community benefits of these investments. “These new classrooms and schools are a fantastic boost for students, teachers, and the wider community,” she said. “We will continue to drive efficiencies in school property delivery so more schools, communities and children benefit sooner.”

Echoing her sentiment, Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown added: “Auckland is a magnet for talent, with thousands of people moving to our largest city each year to build a better life for themselves and their families. Ensuring that our city has the services and infrastructure for growth is a priority for our Government.”

The infrastructure expansion not only caters to education needs but also acts as a stimulus for the construction sector, providing jobs and supporting the local economy during a critical time of growth.

Looking Ahead

The combined effort to expand classroom stock and launch new educational institutions represents a holistic approach to Auckland’s rapid urbanization. With over 3,000 student places being added and two new schools opening within the next two years, the Government’s education infrastructure strategy is poised to deliver long-term benefits for Auckland’s families, schools, and workforce.

As New Zealand’s most populous city continues to grow, ensuring that its youngest residents have access to modern, high-quality learning environments will remain a core focus of national planning and investment.