A Queenstown high school is set to get a major boost from the Government in next year's Budget.
Wakatipu High School's planned expansion to accommodate up to 1800 pupils is expected to be fast-tracked, according to Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay.
Mr Barclay spoke to an assembly of staff and students at the school on Thursday morning on behalf of Education Minister Hekia Parata.
"We know how fast our population is growing and there's a real need to accommodate more students in our schools and get ahead of growth trends," he says.
"I have made a point of communicating this to the Minister a number of times, so I am pleased that those conversations have paid off."
This year's Budget put $25 million towards plans to relocate Wakatipu High School to Remarkables Park in time for the 2018 school year with a roll of 1200.
The new announcement is expected to carter for an additional 600 pupils.
"It makes sense to look at bringing this forward now, since contractors will already be on site," Mr Barclay says.
"As well as ensuring that the school has enough space for students to continue to learn effectively into the future, it's also a much more cost effective option."
Newshub.
