School maintenance upgrades announced for Marlborough

Six Marlborough schools are set to receive long-awaited maintenance upgrades as part of a nationwide investment in education infrastructure.

Bohally Intermediate, Blenheim, Rapaura, Renwick, Ward and Whitney Street School are part of the first tranche of schools to receive access to funding for classroom updates.

The base school maintenance rate is set to rise from $30 per square metre to $45 per square metre, while the minimum five year allocation for small schools will double from $45,000 to $90,000 - not updated since 2010.

The Ministry of Education has confirmed funding for projects that include roof repairs, classroom refurbishments, and improved heating systems. The upgrades aim to create safer, more comfortable learning environments for students and staff, while local contractors will be engaged wherever possible to support the regional economy.

The first group of 450 schools will receive increased allocations from 1 July 2026.