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Maori Party on Education

Education has emerged as a key concern in recent general elections and provides significant points of contrast between the main political parties. The issue is regularly one of the top three issues for voters in opinion polls. The future of state education, the suitability of the national curriculum, and the funding of higher education have all become key issues as the 2010 general election approaches.

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The issues

Maori Party supports NCEA

The Maori Party supports NCEA but says it wants better implementation, including appropriate resources, training and staff. “Equivalent ratings between subject options is needed, and help for schools to set up appropriate infrastructures for the professional growth of NCEA and the professional development of teachers,” a spokesperson says.

Maori Party strongly opposes bulk-funding of schools

The Maori Party strongly advocates an increase in schools' operational funding to target and address under-achievement. “Funds need to be targeted to better enable all schools to offer quality learning environments to their communities,” a spokesperson says.

Maori Party supports providing 20 hours of free early childhood education

The Maori Party supports the 20 hours free programme, but would extend it to all kohanga reo and playcentres. Only 25% of kohanga reo get this funding at present.

Maori Party strongly supports universal allowances for tertiary students

The Maori Party wants universal student allowances, set at the level of the unemployment benefit. Part time students should get the allowances pro rata.

Maori Party strongly opposes education vouchers for school pupils to be able to go to their school of choice

The Maori Party doesn’t support vouchers. A spokesperson says “the party sees schools as important institutions for local communities, and supports local control of local schools, including kaupapa Maori schools”.

Maori Party is neutral on bonding graduates to remain in New Zealand in return for a partial write-off of their student loan

The Maori Party doesn’t have a policy in favour of bonding, but it advocates continuing the interest-free student loan policy, for a five year repayment grace period following graduation, and for repayment to begin when earnings rise above the median wage