More than $30 million is being invested for three new schools and expansions in the Bay of Plenty.

This is part of the Government's $164 million investment to build new classrooms and upgrade schools around the country.

The $30 million will be divided between the stage two expansion of Te Okuroa Drive School, stage three and four expansions of Papamoa College and the stage two expansion of Taumata School.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins says today's announced package will help create and sustain more than 3000 jobs.

'The Ministry of Education and schools will be engaging with local builders, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, and electricians, who will in turn need to buy products and supplies from local stores.

'It's only right that families expect quality classrooms for their children to learn in.

'I'm proud the Government is doing more to lift the quality of the classrooms students and teachers spend so much time in.

'Our investment is backed up by our plan to make training opportunities readily available to ensure there is a pipeline of skilled workers to support regional economies and employers.”

Projects announced today are part of the Government's National Education Growth Plan and the National School Redevelopment Programme.

They include:

- $4.5 million for roll growth classrooms at two Tai Tokerau schools:

Karetu School (one roll growth classroom)

Kaitaia School (five roll growth classrooms)

- More than $10 million to expand Ormiston Primary School (250 additional student places)

- More than $10 million to expand Kauri Flats School (350 additional student places)

- $9 million to redevelop and expand Browns Bay School (286 upgraded or additional student places)

- $30 million for 91 short term roll growth classrooms in Auckland

- $4 million for roll growth classrooms at two Waikato schools:

Raglan Area School (four roll growth classroom)

Hukanui School (two roll growth classrooms)

- Over $30 million for three new schools and expansions in the Bay of Plenty for more than additional 1000 students

Te Okuroa Drive School - Stage 2 expansion

Papamoa College - Stage 3 & 4 expansion

Taumata School - Stage 2 expansion

- $2.5 million for roll growth classrooms at two Gisborne schools:

Wainui Beach School (two roll growth classrooms)

Waikirikiri School (two roll growth classrooms)

- $1 million for two roll growth classrooms at Te Horo School in Otaki

- $25 million for 77 short term roll growth classrooms at 24 schools in the North Island (excluding Auckland).

'Altogether, $132 million has been allocated across schools in the North Island today,” says Hipkins.

'I look forward to announcing the allocation of the further $32 million across schools in the South Island tomorrow.”