The Minister of Education has confirmed Government plans to merge Kawerau Intermediate and Kawerau College in a new school on the college site.
In November, the Government announced it wants a new $6 million school to be built and sought feedback from the schools' boards.
Hekia Parata says she has carefully considered that feedback and previous consultation with the Kawerau community.
Ms Parata says a modern, new secondary school for Years 7 to 13 will provide an opportunity to improve education for young people in Kawerau.
Construction is due to start midway through next year, with the aim of opening in the first term of 2013.
