New Zealand: Private Firms Keen to Invest in New State Schools

Private companies chasing investment in new schools are in "constant contact" with the New Zealand government. Infrastructure Minister Bill English said a tender for public-private partnerships in as many as six new schools could be offered next year. There was already strong interest from the private sector.

The initiative will involve private-sector operators financing, building and maintaining schools for a set term, with the Government retaining ownership of the land, and schools and boards of trustees being left to concentrate on their day-to-day running. English said there was "constant interaction" with consulting firms, people offering finance and construction companies.