The funding boost brings the government's total specialist education spending to $317m for 142 classrooms, including three new schools - the first in 50 years - in Drury, Palmerston North and Gisborne.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said every child deserved the chance to learn, grow and succeed.

"For decades, while adults have argued about inclusion, children with high and complex needs have been waiting for action. This government has drawn a line in the sand: inclusion is choice, and special education is a vital part of the schooling network, providing options for families," she said.

Specialist schools provided support to children with complex needs including low vision, difficulty hearing, and social, behavioural or learning difficulties.

They could be on their own site or have satellite classrooms in other schools.

Schools receiving additional specialist classrooms:

• Hamilton North School would receive four new classrooms (at the base special school).
• Tāmaki College would receive two specialist classrooms, plus another two satellite classrooms for Sommerville School (the base special school).
• Te Aroha College would receive two satellite classrooms for Goldfields School (the base special school).
• Fairfield Intermediate would receive two satellite classrooms for Patricia Avenue School (the base special school).
• Mt Eden Normal School would receive two satellite classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School (the base special school).
• Royal Oak Intermediate would receive two satellite classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School (the base special school).
• Kaitaia College would receive one satellite classroom for Blomfield Special School and Resource Centre (the base special school).
• Nga Iwi School would receive two satellite classrooms for Sir Keith Park School (the base special school).
• Green Bay Primary School would receive one satellite classroom for Oaklynn Special School (the base special school).