New schools for Hamilton fantastic outcome
Mayor Julie Hardaker welcomed the announcement today that public consultation would begin for a new High School and Primary School in the north eastern suburbs of Hamilton.
"The Minister’s announcement is in reality the green light to both of these schools being built and opened within three years, which is a fantastic outcome for the city" said Ms Hardaker.
Mayor Hardaker has been working behind the scenes for the past year, pushing for a final decision from the government about these schools. The Mayor, Hamilton City Council Chief Executive and Planning General Manager met with Ministry of Education officials late last year to discuss the situation and to put the city’s case for a build sooner rather than later.
"The Ministry responded favourably at that meeting and showed a good understanding of the city’s growth areas and education needs. I was quietly confident the announcement would come sooner rather than later, so the news today is excellent and a reflection of the advocacy of many, including MP David Bennett and Te Totara Primary School."
Mayor Hardaker said a new High School for the major residential growth area of the city had been talked about for some time and the Ministry had purchased 11 hectares of land in the area identified as the township in the Rototuna Structure Plan back in 2010 and has purchased land in Endeavour Avenue for a primary school.
"The Council’s planning had proceeded on the basis that the high school would be built but it has been difficult to get a commitment from the government. Now that has been received, it gives certainty to those interested in developing that area of the city."
Mayor Hardaker said Hamilton continued to be a fast growing city and had one of New Zealand’s youngest populations. She said Hamilton had a high standard of schooling available across the city, with some schools at maximum capacity. While she acknowledged Fairfield College was not currently at capacity for student numbers, she was keen to explore opportunities for a point of difference for Fairfield College.
"Education needs are changing and one of the important requirements for high school education is to prepare students for jobs and life. Traditional education may not always deliver that and there are now opportunities for schools to develop different ways of delivering those to Hamilton and New Zealand. I would be keen to talk to Fairfield College about that."
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