An $8.1 million cash injection into Papamoa's education system is set to boost two school rolls by more than 400 students in the coming years.

In a pre-budget speech today, Prime Minister John Key announced that Golden Sands School and Papamoa College are part of a $244 million investment plan for new schools and classrooms.

Golden Sands School, along with Papamoa College, will receive a cash injection following John Key's pre-budget speech. Photo: File.

The money is to come from the proceeds of the Asset Sales programme, known as the Future Investment Fund.

Nationally, it will provide for seven new schools and additions to four other schools, while adding a further 241 classrooms.

Papamoa College will receive $5.1m to expand to 1500 students in years 7 – 13. This is up from the current 1,100 students in years 7 – 10.

The co-educational school opened its doors in February 2011 as the city's fifth state secondary school, and this year sees the school teach year 13 students for the first time.

Golden Sands School will receive $3m to expand to 520 students in years 1 – 6, up from 420 students in years 1 – 5 at the moment. The state primary school opened in February 2011.

Along with the two Papamoa schools, Hingaia Peninsula School in Auckland and Shotover Primary in Queenstown will receive expansion to facilities and classrooms.

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller is delighted that Papamoa has secured additional government funding for the expansions.

'The two schools are relatively new additions in the community,” says Todd, 'but Papamoa's population growth means that they are already full to overflowing, so this new investment is well-timed.

'This is a great part of the country to live and we see the large number of new houses popping up, which means our local infrastructure needs this investment to keep pace.”

He adds it is great that Papamoa has been recognised and supported.

'It also shows we are managing the economy well,” admits Todd. 'Jobs growth leads to more revenue and the ability to invest in services that matter, such as local schools.”

Education Minister Hekia Parata says the funding, spread over four years, demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring all kids can do their very best at school.

Four new state schools will be built, naming them as Rototuna Senior High School in Hamilton, a primary school in Rolleston, near Christchurch, and two new primary schools in Auckland - one at Kumeu and the other at Scott Point.

The investment includes the first phase of the government's August 2014 commitment to invest $350 million in Auckland schools.

It is on top of nearly $400m spent over the past six years building 24 new schools around the country and the $1.1 billion budgeted for the rebuild and repair of schools in greater Christchurch.

'We've seen kids starting earlier, staying longer and leaving better qualified in the past six years,” says Hekia.

'I am determined that all kids get the best education possible including those who have not fared so well in the past - Maori, Pasifika and kids from poorer homes.

'This further funding will help meet roll growth as well as deliver school environments that meet the needs of kids in the 21st century.”

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye says the new schools will provide space for nearly 4000 students and the first of them is due to open in 2017.

'We're addressing growth in many parts of New Zealand,” explains Nikki, 'but I'm particularly pleased that this investment means we'll be able to implement the first phase of the accelerated Auckland growth package that the government announced last August.

'The rate of Auckland's population growth means it's crucial we get ahead of demand and ensure there's sufficient school capacity in our biggest city.”

The investment is in addition to more than $700 million already being invested, providing schools with ultra-fast broadband, via the N4L Managed Network.

'We're ensuring young New Zealanders get the right resources and investment so they can succeed in today's fast-changing world,” adds Nikki.