The Far North Mayor is praising the Government's decision to spend up to $14 million to upgrade Northland College in Kaikohe.
Northland College Photo: SUPPLIED
The school, which has a roll of 310 students, was in such a dilapidated state that its principal Paul Wright compared it to a slum.
Mr Wright had previously said that it was so bad that the police wanted to use it in the holidays as a ghetto-style setting for training exercises.
John Carter said the money was a significant investment in the education of the rohe's rangatahi who had the same right as their peers to experience a good learning environment.
"The students at the school have had to endure unsatisfactory conditions for a number of years and the announcement means that those problems will soon be at an end."
Most of the college, which is being run by a commissioner due to a history of poor student achievement and financial management, will be rebuilt.
The redevelopment will include new classrooms, a multi-purpose gym and hall, as well as a new library and technology areas.
Work on the kura is due to start early next year.