Last week the Government unveiled plans to invest $8.1 million into Papamoa College and Golden Sands School. This exciting news is an indication that Papamoa's growth has been recognised and supported by the Government, and I am delighted our schools are benefiting from this announcement.
Papamoa College teaches Years 7 to 13 and will extend to accommodate 400 more students, bringing its total up to 1500 students. Golden Sands School teaches Years 1 - 6 and will take in 100 more students, bringing the total up to 520 students.
Papamoa has grown more than 20 per cent since 2006, from nearly 16,700 to 20,100, and the large number of new housing developments popping up is an encouraging sign that more people are calling the Bay home.
New Zealand is currently ranked first in the world for social progress and more Kiwis are coming home.
There is broad agreement among commentators that New Zealand is doing well compared to other developed economies - here in New Zealand we're growing. There are 80,000 more people employed compared to this time last year and wages are rising faster than inflation.
This allows us to invest in the public services that matter, such as local schools.
