School's new learning centre praised

Prime Minister John Key and George Street Normal School principal Rod Galloway at the official opening of the school's new modern learning environment yesterday.

Before cutting the ribbon on the $1.2million facility, Mr Key congratulated the Dunedin school for its fundraising effort.

Only a ''small amount'' of funding - about $150,000 - was contributed by the Government. Mr Key said he had opened several similar facilities around the country, and the multipurpose libraries were a great way for children to learn.

''It will get a massive amount of use over the years ahead, so well done,'' he said.

Pupils and guests were entertained by the school's Pasifika and kapa haka groups.