Concept drawings for a proposed private school in Queenstown will be discussed in Auckland this morning, feedback from the community having indicated both a need and a desire for a new school.
Last month, Wentworth College principal Bruce Tong, Wentworth Property's Stephen Fleming and Arrowtown's Lisa Guy addressed about 50 people in Queenstown to discuss their proposal for a private school and gauge interest and support.
An online survey, which closes at 5pm on April 23, had 63 responses yesterday, representing 84 children.
Mrs Guy told the Otago Daily Times about 95% of respondents were in support of the private school proposal and supported the fee estimates; about $15,000 a year for secondary-school pupils.
Statistics had also supported another school in Queenstown, school-roll data showing in a six-year rollover period more than 900 children were leaving the district.
"We can't specify why these families are relocating and whether education is one of the reasons, [but] I think it's given Stephen and Bruce enough confidence ... They're keen to talk to developers about sites.
"Really, the questions will come down to: is there a site available and are there investors interested?" Mrs Guy said.
Since the first meeting ,"some of the negative" opinions about the proposed new school had dissipated, she said.
"There was a little bit [of criticism] pre-meeting ... There were concerns over [Wakatipu] High School; the new site [planned] ... being diluted if there was an independent school here.
"I think those concerns have been [addressed] ... These schools needn't be in competition.
"If for some reason Wakatipu High School doesn't work out for families in Queenstown then you really are pushed down the boarding-school path.
"If an independent school doesn't work out [for a pupil] then they have the option of going to Wakatipu High School."
Mr Tong said he planned to meet Mr Fleming this morning in Auckland to look at concept drawings which would include some of the facilities required if the school went ahead. They would also have an "elementary discussion" about land and options available.
"The next logical step is to come up with concept plans as to what the school could look like.
"Certainly, the numbers are [suggesting] that there is a demand ..."
Mr Tong said he had been contacted by "a number of people" interested in becoming involved in the project by providing land or investing.
It was hoped another meeting could be organised early next month to discuss the next stage in the proposal and show the concept plans, he said.
• The school survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ9HZQL
