Further public consultation is required to determine how Kawerau Intermediate and Kawerau College will be restructured.

It is decided, however, that four schools there will become two by merging Kawerau North, Kawerau Central and Putauaki Primary Schools on the original Putauaki site.

Kawerau South School will remain as a Year 1-6 primary school.

Education Minister Anne Tolley says the changes are a result of community feedback during consultation and provide certainty for students, schools and communities.

'The viability of some schools could've been at risk in the long-term due to falling school rolls and the resulting reduction in funding and I'm confident the decisions made will allow a much more effective education for students,” says Anne.

A Maori immersion kura will be established on the site of Kawerau North School for Year 1-8 with 60 students expected in enrol for the new school year.

The restructuring will be made in time for next year's school year and Anne Tolley says she's working closely with the schools and the community to ensure a 'smooth transition” for students to their new schools.

'After receiving valuable feedback, I have decided more consultation is needed to be held on the future of Kawerau Intermediate and Kawerau College,” says Anne.

'The consultation will focus on the possible establishment of a new school, with a Year 7-10 and a Year 11-13 campus on site.”

'Details of the consultation on senior schooling in the town will be announced soon, with any resulting changes taking place in 2013.”