A new secondary school is to be established in Kawerau for Years 7-13, replacing both the college and the intermediate.

The decision for the new school was announced by Education Minister Hekia Parata as the government prepares to start the new schooling structure in the town next year.

Image: Google Earth

Both Kawerau College and Kawerau Intermediate boards were invited to provide feedback on the proposal, before the final decision was made on the $6 million project.

A decision to restructure the Kawerau schooling system was made by former Education Minister Anne Tolley in 2010, with the aim of reversing falling roll numbers.

At the beginning of 2011, various restructuring options were presented to the community for feedback and a decision was made to close three of the town's primary schools, merge the intermediate with the college and create a separate Maori school.

This decision was met with opposition from members of the community who fought hard to try and keep the intermediate school.

Despite the strong opposition, Anne Tolley kept her decision to merge the college and the intermediate.

New Education Minister Hekia Parata has carefully considered feedback on the latest development.

She says the reorganisation of schooling in Kawerau will strengthen education in the area.

'A modern, new secondary school with 21st century facilities will be established on the college site, with separate middle and senior school campuses, which we know through consultation is important to Kawerau parents.

'The new secondary school presents an opportunity to improve education for the young people of Kawerau, to ensure it meets the needs of learners, their parents and the Kawerau community, and provides a positive environment to lift achievement.”

Kawerau Intermediate and Kawerau College will close in January 2013, with the new school to open for term one 2013.

An establishment board of trustees will be appointed in 2012.

The Ministry of Education will appoint a governance facilitator to guide the board through the establishment process, including its construction and the appointment of staff.