Land investment and planning director Clive Higgins said the ministry purchased 3.08ha of land in Cemetery Rd in Lake Hāwea township to build a new primary school.
‘‘Lake Hāwea and the surrounding area has been experiencing significant growth in recent years.’’
The ministry determined there was a need for land for a new primary school in the township in 2021, Mr Higgins said.
The ministry monitored the school network closely to ensure there was sufficient capacity terms of schools to meet the needs of its local community.
A decision to begin planning for the school was dependent on continued student growth in the township, and ‘‘future budget prioritisation’’ for construction, he said.
Hāwea Flat School principal Tania Pringle said in the past five years the number of pupils attending her primary school had doubled.
‘‘We grow on average one classroom per year.’’
‘‘So as a school, we have continued to grow and indications are that we will continue to grow in the foreseeable future as well,’’ she said.
Queenstown Lakes district councillor Cody Tucker, of the Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward, said there was plenty of growth happening in Lake Hāwea with a large portion of lots being sold to young couples and families.
‘‘The need to think about future schooling needs here is undeniable.’’
‘‘I’m delighted to see the Ministry of Education making investments now for the future needs of the Hawea community and that it’s located within walking/biking distance for most people.
‘‘That’s a big win for Hāwea’s growing pains,’’ he said.
