Green School New Zealand is thrilled to have recently been announced as a recipient of the Government’s “Shovel Ready” project that will not only support the school’s expansion, but add to the growth and development of Taranaki.
Green School New Zealand is to be supported with $11.7 million, 100 per cent of which will go towards the construction of the school’s campus expansion.
In doing so, the school will be creating more than 200 local construction jobs, as well as being able to expand its roll to 250 students. The increased roll is estimated to make an annual contribution of $43 million to the local economy.
Green School CEO, Chris Edwards, said he wished to sincerely thank Associate Minister of Finance, James Shaw, for his support of the Green School project.
“The Green School philosophy is about connecting with and supporting our local community. This funding – for which we are profoundly grateful – not only allows us to add to the livelihoods of many in our community through job creation, but in attracting new families to the school, it will continue to allow Taranaki to flourish as a thriving economy.”
His sentiments were echoed by James Shaw, who said in attracting students from throughout New Zealand and all over the world, it brought huge benefits for the local economy and broader export earning.
“International education was until recently New Zealand’s fourth largest export sector. It is obviously going through a very tough time right now as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This project not only secures 200 jobs in the near term, it also creates additional capacity for the time when people are able to travel more freely, enabling Taranaki to develop a thriving international education opportunity.”
Edwards said it was humbling to see New Zealand’s commitment to a model that he believed was at the vanguard of global education.
“Creating the compelling relevance of Green School New Zealand has demanded significant sacrifices and extraordinary bravery in these exceptional times. We are committed to a socio-economically diverse community whose learning will help in the regeneration of communities and planet.
“Green School New Zealand will be a local, national and international beacon for a bold and vital education that promotes universal wellbeing within the means of nature.”
Edwards said the entire Green School community was looking forward to the journey ahead and was deeply committed to the Taranaki region and communities within it.
“We are very proud to be helping to stimulate economic growth after such a difficult year for many.”