Cambridge High School and Ngaruawahia High School in the Waikato will both undergo major redevelopments, Education
Minister Hekia Parata announced today.
“Around $8 million will be invested in Ngaruawahia High School, and around $9 million will be spent redeveloping
Cambridge High School,” says Ms Parata.
“Both schools have issues such as leaky buildings or classrooms that are old and in poor condition, so this will be
welcome news for their communities.
“At Ngaruawahia, an existing classroom block will be demolished and replaced with a new block that will also function as
a marae support space outside of school hours.
“Existing technology and administration blocks will also be refurbished, and seismic strengthening will be carried out
on some buildings.
“At Cambridge, a new two-storey block will be built to replace an old 1953 block that’s past its use-by date, and a
number of other buildings will be remediated to address weathertightness issues.
“The redevelopment will also see the total number of teaching spaces at the school increased to help accommodate a
growing roll.
“As with all major redevelopments, the focus at both schools will be on providing flexible learning spaces that support
an innovative learning environment.”
Ngaruawahia High School is the sole secondary school in its township, and is in discussions with local primary schools
about establishing a Community of Learning. Cambridge High School, which is the only local state secondary school, is a
member of the Cambridge Community of Learning.
“Communities of Learning are about schools collaborating to help students achieve their full potential,” says Ms Parata.
Construction at both schools is expected to begin in 2018.
“We want students to excel no matter where they go to school, and providing the right learning environment is an
important part of this. These investments are further evidence of the Government’s commitment to modernise and expand
schools across New Zealand.”