Wagner Nicky: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWagner Nicky: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 19 November 2013. Volume:695;Page:14763. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.NICKY WAGNER (National—Christchurch Central) to theMinister of Education: What recent announcement has she made on the single largest investment in education infrastructure in Christchurch?Hon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education): Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Last week the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and I announced that 80 percent of classrooms across Greater Christchurch will be modernised within 10 years changing the way teachers teach and children learn. The Christchurch earthquakes had the biggest impact ever on educational infrastructure in New Zealand. The damage sustained demanded a significant response and a serious investment. This Government is investing over $1 billion in a 10-year programme to provide modern learning environments for the children and young people of Greater Christchurch.Nicky Wagner: Why has the Government opted to spend $1.137 billion rather than just repair existing facilities at a lower cost?Hon HEKIA PARATA: The Government looked at a range of options for education renewal and it chose the most comprehensive option requiring the biggest investment because it will generate the greatest lift in educational achievement.Nicky Wagner: What other educational issues confront Christchurch?Hon HEKIA PARATA: The issues that confront Christchurch are those that confront New Zealand as a whole. Although our education system is top-performing for many it is not for all. This Government is focused on raising achievement for the children and young people of Christchurch and across the entire country. To achieve this the Government has been investing in and delivering on a plan to better engage with parents report on achievement data value and strengthen the teaching profession and support 21st century learning environments. The delivery of safe and inspiring modern and connected learning environments will support a lift in student engagement and drive up achievement levels across Greater Christchurch.Chris Hipkins: How much of the over $1 billion announced last week will come from money the schools were already due to receive in the form of regular property funding leaky buildings remediation and insurance payouts?Hon HEKIA PARATA: It is no secret that the $1 billion investment includes Government moneys appropriated for property it includes an insurance payout and it will include new money.Chris Hipkins: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.Mr SPEAKER: I just invite the member to repeat his question.Chris Hipkins: Thank you Mr Speaker. How much of the over $1 billion announced last week will come from money the schools were already due to receive in the form of regular property funding leaky buildings remediation and insurance payouts?Hon HEKIA PARATA: I cannot give you that absolute detail because we do not yet have the insurance payout and because those other matters are still being factored in. The fact is that the Christchurch community is getting over $1 billion invested which will modernise 80 percent of classrooms in that education network.