Explore Candidates → New Zealand → New Zealand First Party on Education
New Zealand First Party on Education
New Zealand First policy is to maintain an “ongoing review” of NCEA and “consider the practical implications of removing unit standards from NCEA."
New Zealand First will “not pursue a system of bulk-funding of teacher salaries unless there is an acceptance by the teaching force of its merits."
New Zealand First policy doesn't mention the 20 hours free programme, but its early childhood education section does say, "New Zealand First will continue to pursue the joint goals of increased participation rates and enhanced quality provision". The policy also hints at a possible extension of the ECE funding, saying that the party will "explore the possibilities of enabling early childhood centres to be funded more than six hours per day and for weekend sessions".
New Zealand First will, in its first year, introduce the first step towards a non-repayable student allowance (i.e. a universal student living allowance) and proceed over three years to full implementation by progressively increasing the family income levels at which the abatement commences and when allowances disappear.
New Zealand First has no specific policy on school vouchers but its education spokesperson expressed concern in the House in 2004, saying “We are not like some who said that it should be parents’ choice when the policy of their party—which is the use of vouchers—would close every small school in this country”.
New Zealand First will “review the costs of gaining initial medical qualifications, including exploring the option of a ‘bonding’ system for medical students who are willing to trade-off student loan abatements for working in New Zealand”. It will also “consider expanding the ‘bonding’ system to other areas of particular demand in the workforce”.