New Classrooms Coming to Kawerau South School by Christmas

Kawerau South School can expect construction on two new classrooms to begin by Christmas, according to an announcement made on Monday by East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick.

The new learning spaces are designed to provide safe, warm, and dry environments for students, addressing both growth in the student roll and infrastructure challenges.

“This is great news for the students, teachers, and parents of Kawerau South School,” said Kirkpatrick. “It means more students will have access to a learning environment that’s fit for purpose. Parents can feel confident their local school is being equipped to meet the needs of a growing community."

Kirkpatrick acknowledged the school's efforts in managing increased enrolment numbers with limited infrastructure.

"Kawerau South is a wonderful school that has been battling a burgeoning roll. This move is a great announcement for Principal Raylene and her team. I’m excited for them.”

The new classrooms will be refurbished, relocatable buildings, with construction set to begin before Christmas. Faster, more efficient building methods are being used in the hopes that students can benefit sooner and the school can plan with certainty.

“There has been a 35 percent increase in the number of standardised and repeatable designs, which has reduced the price per classroom by 28 percent,” Kirkpatrick noted. “As a result, we were able to build 137 more classrooms in 2024 than in 2023.”

She added, “All Kiwi kids deserve to thrive at school. This investment is about making sure every student, no matter where they live, has access to a modern, healthy learning environment.”