Site extensions for schools

Learn about site extension funding, and what we consider when looking at acquiring new land.

Level of complianceMain audienceOther

Inform

  • Boards
  • Principals and Tumuaki
  • Administrators

The Ministry may fund an extension to your school grounds if it can be demonstrated that this would be the most appropriate solution. We make such decisions on a case-by-case basis. 

Applying for site extension funding

If you believe your school may have a case for a site extension, then in the first instance contact your property advisor.

Before committing to buy additional land we'll look at your current (and planned) :

  • buildings
  • playing areas
  • parking

We'll consider the site’s safety, access and infrastructure requirements, like drainage and retaining walls.

The Ministry does not hold a separate budget for site extensions and we treat all requests on a case-by-case basis. The Ministry makes the final decision as to whether an investment in additional land is the most appropriate action.

Land purchase

If we decide to buy land we'll negotiate for it and pay for it using Ministry funding not school funds. You will be led by your property advisor in regards to what may be required from the school to help support a case to acquire land.

There are many factors to consider when assessing what is the appropriate size of land for schools. These include: 

  • single storey or double storey construction
  • pedagogy of the school
  • projected roll
  • cost to develop land
  • infrastructure
  • availability of land
  • planning provisions
  • access to community recreation

As such the Ministry acknowledges that what may be appropriate and fit for purpose for one school may not be for another.

Last reviewed: Has this been useful? Give us your feedback