Chris Hipkins
MP for Rimutaka
Education spokesperson

MEDIA STATEMENT

5 October 2016

More than 1,300 schools to face budget cuts

The latest Ministry of Education figures reveal thousands of schools will face cuts to funding under National’s new operations grant funding model, says Labour's Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins.

“In the budget, National froze operational funding for schools, with new money being channelled through payments for at-risk students. Since then, Hekia Parata has been desperately spinning, promising that no school will be worse off under the new funding system. Today, the reality has been exposed.

“According to new data from the Ministry of Education, 1,376 schools will lose funding under the new system, with 140 schools having their funding cut by more than $5,000.

“The school facing the largest cut is Rangitoto College in Auckland, losing $28,640 for the 2017 year. Special schools will also be hit hard, such as the Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ, who can expect a cut exceeding $7,000.

"When adjusted for the expected increase in costs over the coming year - such as power bills and learning equipment - the numbers look even worse, with almost two thousands schools set to be worse off, some by as much as $40,000.

“The new funding model continues the erosion of school funding, and will undoubtedly mean increased pressure on parents to pay for more of the cost of their kids’ education. The new funding system is just an elaborate way to dress up a funding cut.

“The truth about education is simple: under National, funding for our schools is being cut and more of the burden is falling on parents,” says Chris Hipkins.

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On The New Government’s Policies Of Yesteryear

Winston Peters is routinely described as the kingmaker who decides whether the centre right or the centre-left has a turn at running this country. He also plays a less heralded, but equally important role as the scapegoat who can be blamed for killing taxes that his senior partners never much wanted in the first place. Neither Ardern nor Robertson for example, really wanted a capital gains tax, for fear of Labour copping the “tax and spend“ label they ended up being saddled with anyway. Usefully though, they could tell the party faithful it was wicked old Winston who killed the CGT... More

Government: National, ACT, & NZ First To Deliver For All Kiwis

The National Party claims the new coalition government will be stable, effective, and will deliver for all Kiwis. "Despite the challenging economic environment, New Zealanders can look forward to a better future because of the changes the new Government will make ... We know that, with the right leadership, the right policies, and the right direction, together New Zealanders can make this an even better country," says Christopher Luxon... More

ALSO:

• ACT - Real Change Begins Today
• Green Party - A Strong Opposition To Divisive Government
• Te Pati Maori - Luxon’s Government Will Whitewash Aotearoa
• NZ College Of Midwives - College Supports Solution Focussed Approach For New Health Minister
• Federation of Primary Health - Yes Minister – The Federation Is Looking Forward To Working With You