(New Zealand) $198M for students "with high, complex needs"; demand continues to grow

Aug 21, 2026, NZ: Closer to home: 20 new specialist classrooms | National Party

This Government is delivering a further 20 new specialist classrooms across nine schools, giving students the support they need, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

This $23 million [$13M US] investment brings the government’s total investment in specialist education infrastructure to more than $317 million [$198M US], helping students with high and complex learning support needs access

In total, the $317 million funded delivers:

142 new specialist classrooms

Three new specialist schools – in Drury, Palmerston North and Gisborne – the first built in New Zealand in nearly 50 years

Comprehensive redevelopments at six existing specialist schools

“Demand for specialist learning environments continues to grow – these projects will help ensure parents have choice and students can access the support they need throughout their education journey,” Ms Stanford says.