8 May 2015
MP welcomes investment in local school
MP for Maungakiekie Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed news that work will begin this month on a $10.4 million
redevelopment of Ellerslie School, one of the biggest schools in his electorate.
Mr Lotu-Iiga will be with Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye at the school this afternoon to help celebrate the
news with staff and pupils.
“This announcement marks a significant investment in the future of these children in my electorate. It means that they
will benefit from modern and comfortable new classrooms and facilities.
“Success begins with a good education and primary school is a time when children really hone their literacy and numeracy
skills. It is essential that they can do this in the best possible surroundings and that their teachers have the best
resources to teach them,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.
Ellerslie School is a decile 9 school for children in years 1 to 8.
It has a current roll of 610 but this is expected to grow to about 675 by 2018.
It is on a fairly small site and has a number of relocatable classrooms. The new classroom blocks with be two-storeyed,
meaning there will be more outdoor space.
“Quality teachers and the strong support of our local community mean these children will go on to higher learning, good
jobs and better opportunities in life,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.
The government is spending about $300 million over six years redeveloping 30 schools around the country that have been
identified as having complex infrastructure issues.
ends