Twenty-three schools in the East Coast electorate will benefit from a significant increase in property maintenance funding.

For the first time since 2009, Five Year Agreement (5YA) funding rates are being increased.

From July 2026, the base rate will rise by 50 percent – from $30 per square metre to $45 per square metre – and the minimum allocation for small schools will double from $45,000 to $90,000.

Eastern Bay schools to benefit include Te Kura Kaupapa Motuhake O Tawhiuau;  Kawerau Putauaki School; Tarawera High School; Edgecumbe School; Kawerau South School; Ōhope Beach School;  Te Kura o Ōmarumutu; and Waimana School.

“It’s just brilliant that funding will double to meet real needs in schools,” said East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick.

In wake of last week’s announcement, Ms Kirkpatrick says she connected with eight recipient schools in Kawerau, Tairāwhiti, and Whakatāne.

“I’ve had some really encouraging responses from schools that will now have the funds required for key maintenance work.

“This package provides much-needed support and eases the burden and frustration on principals and boards who just want to provide the best possible learning environments for our tamariki.

“We all want students and school staff to have safe, warm, and dry spaces for learning.

“The new 5YA gives schools the certainty they need to plan upgrades and tackle essential maintenance.

“I’m proud to see our region benefiting from this sensible investment.”

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

This builds on the Government’s recent $58 million investment for small maintenance projects, which has already helped more than 2400 schools address urgent property needs.