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...

The Green Party have secured legislative amendments in a bill expected to pass third reading this week, to ensure better rules for school teachers and staff, so they can de-escalate children with diverse needs and cognitive differences, such as autism, rather than using unnecessary and often traumatising force.

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...