Campaign launched to acquire land for new school in Epsom

“I will be campaigning for the Government to acquire the University of Auckland Epsom Campus for educational purposes, creating a new school to serve the community,” says MP for Epsom David Seymour.

“This project will protect the existing Grammar zones by creating a new education option without changing the zoning. If the land is not used for a new school, the substantial land that the University is selling will be developed into high density housing, exacerbating the immense pressure already on the existing Grammar zones.

“I have been engaged on the future of this land since at least 2019, when I first met with the University about their plan to exit the Epsom Campus. I have primarily been concerned with ensuring the two existing schools at the southern end, Auckland Normal Intermediate and Kohia Terrace School, do not lose their fields or walkable access. The Ministry of Education has been in negotiations to secure at least that much land.

“However, new developments have shifted my focus to acquiring the land in its entirety, something I previously did not think possible or affordable.

“In July I was approached by the Principals of Auckland Grammar School and Epsom Girls’ Grammar school. They and their boards would like to co-sponsor a co-educational high school on the land, initially using the existing buildings.

“Since their approach, I have sought assurance from the Minister of Education the land will not be sold in the immediate future.

“The support of Mrs McNaughton and Mr O’Connor means the school would be backed by two of the country’s greatest educators. It would be the only co-educational school in the area, something I know some parents would prefer for their children.

“It would be a school of excellence, taking pressure off the existing schools without removing the entitlement for those in zone to attend the traditional Grammars if they wish to.

“The cost of the land is substantial, I have also asked the Minister to investigate other land holdings the Ministry of Education has that might be sold to cover the cost. For example, the Ministry bought a substantial piece beside Alexandra Park in the 1990s that has not been used.

“The school should be unzoned and accept students from across the city. Taking pressure off Mt Albert Grammar that is successful to bursting point. It also fulfils the original Auckland Grammar ethos, ‘for persons of all classes and races who may inhabit this colony.’

“The continued use of the land for education would ensure that the property remains open, green space. Everyone accepts that central Auckland will intensify over time, but more terraced housing and apartments makes it even more important that green spaces and local facilities like schools are provided.

“This land and its future use are not only important to the Epsom community, but families across the Auckland region who want a quality education. Whoever forms the next Government, I will be taking it to them as a critical project for our community and those surrounding it.”