budget 2000: Fostering education and skills

The Government's goal is to ensure that all New Zealanders have the best possible chance to develop their potential and to equip themselves to meet the demands of a fast-changing world.

 Increase in education spending for the coming year of almost $300 million on pre-election levels, including $200 million on new initiatives.
 Early childhood education boosted by around $10 million a year.
 A huge increase in operational and capital funding for schools. This is the largest ever school property programme to meet roll growth and upgrade existing schools.
 $23 million over four years for literacy and numeracy recovery programmes.
 Up to $2 million a year for homework centres.
 $400,000 to establish an Education Council responsible for teacher registration and staff standards. [Announced 30 May]

Post-compulsory education and training

 $664 million over four years invested in tertiary education.
 $32 million over four years to improve access for beneficiaries to the Training Incentive Allowance.
 $3.9 million over four years to boost the number of Mäori and Pacific Island students.
 $3 million of reprioritised funding over four years for Student Job Search.
 $42.2 million over four years to fund Modern Apprenticeships.
 $12 million over four years for school-to-work initiatives.
 An extra $23 million over four years for the Industry Training Fund.

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