Prefabs now ‘preferred approach’ for building new classrooms

Ministry of Education head of property Sam Fowler says offsite manufacturing provides better value for money. (Image: NZME)

Cécile Meier

Tue, 27 Aug 2024

The Ministry of Education is ramping up its use of offsite manufacturing amid cost blowouts and reviews of its capital management. Principals say this is a "drastic change" from plans made under the previous Government. They warn against using a “one-size-fits-all” approach which, they say, takes up more footprint and is not responsive to schools’ individual needs. But offsite manufacturers, which are reeling from the pausing and canning of government projects, welcome the ministry’s commitment to the...

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