Education Budget 2022

By Education Gazette editors

Issue: Volume 101, Number 7

Posted: 1 June 2022

Reference #: 1HAUVK

Present, participating and progressing: key highlights from Budget 2022 to support an education system that is safe and inclusive for all.

Ākonga are the centre of education investment.

The Budget 2022 education package totals more than $2 billion operating expenditure and $855 million capital expenditure, which represents a significant increase to education funding.

It builds on previous Budgets to improve property, deliver pay parity in early learning and commit to fairer and more equitable funding structures that will make a long-term difference in schools and the tertiary sector.

This year’s investment will continue the progress made towards delivering a world-class public education system that is safe and inclusive for all those participating in it, and ensures ākonga are present, participating and progressing in their learning.

It also provides significant funding to drive forward key reforms and deliver against Government manifesto commitments, including: Supporting All Schools to Succeed, the Government’s response to the Independent Review of Tomorrow’s Schools, and the replacement of the decile system with the Equity Index.

Budget 2022 provides significant support for the success of ākonga Māori. There is investment across a range of areas critical for Māori education, with a specific boost for funding targeted towards the growth and development of te reo Māori, in line with the Government’s vision for revitalisation set out in Maihi Karauna.

Highlights of Budget 2022 for education

Key initiatives for education include:

Funding to implement the Equity Index and phase out school deciles from 1 January 2023. This includes a $75 million annual increase to equity funding for schools and kura. Transition funding is also included to minimise the impact on schools facing a reduction.
Further steps to shift more support and decision-making closer to the frontline. This year’s funding includes $62 million to continue driving work to strengthen delivery of the national curriculum and improve quality of teaching and learning, with a particular focus this year on literacy, communications and maths. It also includes $40 million over four years for a new regional response fund to be managed through Te Mahau, and some new roles to support the sector through Te Mahau.
Another step towards pay parity between certificated teachers in education and care services, and their equivalents in kindergartens. This builds on funding provided through Budget 2021 and Budget 2020. On top of this, there is also funding set aside to improve pay for kaimahi in kōhanga reo.
A 2.75% increase to early childhood education subsidies and a 2.75% increase to schools’ operational grants, to help meet increased operational costs and maintain quality.
Continued investment in school infrastructure, to keep building classrooms for schools with growing rolls and purchase land for new schools, for furniture and equipment grants and for specific investment in Kaupapa Māori and Māori medium property.
Support for student attendance and engagement, aimed at driving key system shifts to better engage students in their learning and provide ways back into learning for those who have disengaged. This includes a refresh and strengthening of PB4L School-Wide, and other targeted and intensive support for learners at risk of disengaging.