Every child deserves a high-quality, free, accessible public education that gives them the best possible start in life. We want all children to reach their full potential, but unfortunately, not all learners get equal opportunities and recognition. We know it’s not only the school system that affects a child’s education, but also housing, income, and health.

Aotearoa has an unequal education system, where there is a difference between the haves and the have-nots, achievers and non-achievers. We must fix this inequality so every child is treated fairly and can thrive. We’ve made a start by supporting the Government’s increased funding for school lunches, te reo in schools, the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme for high-needs children, English language teaching, and restorative justice approaches in schools.

Schools are the heart of communities and should be community hubs providing health services, internet access, cultural services, and adult education programmes to meet local needs.

With greater government and community support, everyone can reach their potential so they can fully participate in society. Together we can make the necessary changes so that all children thrive.

The Green Party will:

• Empower schools as community hubs, providing health services, internet access, cultural services, early childhood education, and adult education.
  
  
• Encourage clustering of Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres with nearby primary schools to support the transition to school.
  
  
• Ensure all public schools are resourced to provide special education and learning support as needed.
  
  
• Roll out Te Reo Māori as a core curriculum subject through to Year 10.
  
  
• Increase funding for kura kaupapa, kohanga reo, and mainstream te reo immersion and bilingual classrooms, including funding for professional support of Māori medium teachers and teacher scholarships.
  
  
• Improve child to teacher ratios.
  
  
• Embed ecological sustainability and civics education in the curriculum.
  
  
• Support schools and early childhood services to have policies, resources, and programmes to create an inclusive culture free of bullying, racism, and violence.
  
  
• Increase early childhood funding and prioritise pay equity for early childhood education teachers.
  
  
• Work towards a sustainable funding framework for community-run early childcare centres (such as play centres, kindergartens, parent co-operatives, and kohanga reo).
  
  
• Increase funding for outdoor environmental education – to get kids into nature and employ displaced tourism workers.

Read more about our green vision for Aotearoa