Private sector may maintain schools

Public private partnerships for the building and maintaining of some new school properties are being assessed, says Education Minister Anne Tolley.

"We would only accept PPPs for school property if they free up schools to focus more on teaching and learning, and deliver better value for taxpayers," she said.

Under a partnership, the operation of the school would still be in the hands of its board. The private sector would only be responsible for the care of the school property - design, construction and maintenance - while the land would be owned by the Government.

"PPPs for new school property would use the skills and abilities of the private sector to finance, build and maintain a new school," Ms Tolley said. "These partnerships have been successful overseas and the Ministry of Education and Treasury are assessing whether they could work in New Zealand. If the project is not feasible, it will not go ahead."

The Ministry of Education is bringing in external experts to help with the preparation of a stage one business case. If the project goes ahead, the Government will seek the involvement of teachers, communities, and boards of trustees.

- NZPA