Local schools get access to ultra-fast broadband | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Rotorua schools may soon experience the freedom of working with ultra-fast broadband as part of the School Network Upgrade Project.

The project is part of the Government's $1.5 billion six-year Broadband Investment Initiative.

An additional $37.5 million will be invested in this latest phase which means an additional 239 schools will receive funding for network upgrades throughout New Zealand.

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has welcomed the inclusion of Rotorua schools in the initiative.

Local schools to benefit are Glenholme School, Kawaha Point School, Owhata School, Rotorua Intermediate, Rotorua Lakes High School, Rotorua Primary, St Mary's Catholic School and Whangamarino School.

"I strongly believe ultra-fast broadband will offer greater educational opportunities to our children and I am pleased to see that schools in Rotorua benefit from this initiative," Mr McClay said.

Mr McClay said ultra-fast broadband was a priority for the Government.

"It will increase efficiency, improve student achievements and provide a wider range of learning opportunities."

By the end of next year, more than a third of state and state-integrated schools' networks will be ultra-fast broadband capable.

In the next six years, 97 per cent of schools, or 99.7 per cent of students, will have ultra-fast broadband.

Mr McClay said more schools would be invited to upgrade their networks next year, and he would be working with principals and school boards in the Rotorua electorate to ensure they would take full advantage of the funding.

Rotorua Principals Association president and Westbrook School principal Colin Watkins said it would be great to have faster access to the internet.

"Inquiry is an important model of learning and the internet is the main source of information these days."

Mr Watkins said dial-up internet was so slow sometimes it was "ridiculous".

"If children are expected to access and use technology then we have to have the best technology available."