Two new schools open in RollestonALDEN WILLIAMS/Stuff.co.nz A lancewood was planted to symbolise the opening of Rolleston College on Monday. Rolleston College was among three Canterbury schools opening for the first time this week as tens of thousands of the region's students begin their academic year. ALDEN WILLIAMS/FAIRFAX NZ Rolleston College principal Steve Saville speaks at the new college's opening day on Monday. READ MORE: Two new Rolleston schools ready to openAbout 500 people, including 100 dignitaries and the school's 220 students, were an audience to waiata, haka, tree-planting and speeches before classes started at 11am. Speaking at Rolleston College, Minister for Education Hekia Parata acknowledged "schools across New Zealand are competing for government property funding".

Source: Stuff January 30, 2017 01:30 UTC