Every child is entitled to a high-quality, free, accessible public education that gives them the best possible start in life. Well-funded public education is the cornerstone of the education system State schools should be funded so they are not reliant on donations, fees, or fundraising. Public funding for private schools should be phased out and transferred to public schools. The Green Party does not support charter schools, but does support flexibility in the education system for diverse types of education,...

The Green Party is passionate about improving inclusive education services so that every Kiwi kid gets to fully participate in school life. In government, the Green Party will increase education funding by $315 million to build a more inclusive education system.  We will: Properly fund a full-time Children’s Champion for every 400 children to coordinate support for children with high needs (currently called a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator). Create a $5 million annual School Camp fund to support students with...

Supporting students creates a fairer society and a stronger economy. Tertiary education can help drive the transition to a sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand. Tertiary education should be free Student fees should be capped and progressively reduced. The EFTS and PBRF funding models should be reviewed to ensure universities are adequately funded and incentivised to cooperate rather than compete. Funding should improve staff to student ratios, library resources, and staff retention. Student loans should remain interest free Graduates should be able...

The Government is delivering on its commitment to make streets safer for kids to walk and cycle to school, by reducing speed limits to a maximum of 40 km/h around urban schools and 60 km/h around rural schools.

The Government’s commitment to ensure New Zealand history is taught in all schools by 2022 is part of a landmark day for our nation’s story, said Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.   The Prime Minister made the announcement during a speech at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the New Zealand Wars in Parliament’s debating chamber this morning.   “At the moment not enough tamariki are learning about their local history, and what our story is as a country. We...

The Green Party is welcoming today’s announcement of a pilot programme to provide school lunches in 30 schools, expanding to 120 schools by 2021. “All kids deserve a full education and a full stomach. A guaranteed lunch every day will have a huge impact on learning for the students who need it the most,” said Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “Too many children are going to school hungry on a daily basis. It affects their ability to concentrate, to learn,...

The Government’s plan to integrate te reo Māori into education is showing promising progress, said Green Party Māori Development spokesperson Marama Davidson. “We owe everything to tangata whenua movements for bringing te reo Māori back from the brink to where it is today. It’s long overdue that the government has stepped up on its obligations to our language. “Te reo and kaupapa Māori education is a major priority for the Greens and upskilling our teachers is a vital first step...

The Green Party welcome the PPTA, NZEI and Government coming to agreement on a new offer for teachers and principals, set to be ratified by union members.   “After months of meaningful negotiation, we’re proud Unions have a new offer on the table for teachers from the Government, which members are set to ratify,” Green Party Education spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick said today.    “The Greens will continue to listen with open ears as this goes through ratification.    “Teachers have...

The Green Party welcomes the Government’s move to provide a funding boost to kōhanga reo, said Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. “We have seen huge progress revitalising te reo over recent decades, and we owe a lot to the kōhanga reo movement for their role in bringing te reo back from the brink to where we are today. “The government has a responsibility to ensure our indigenous language thrives in Aotearoa, and this begins with our tamariki. “Strengthening te reo...