Budget focus on Maori Education

15 June 2000

Associate Education Minister Parekura Horomia said this year's Budget showed a real commitment to long-term Maori education needs.

More than $50 million has been allocated in the Budget for specific Maori education initiatives over the next four years.

Parekura Horomia said the initiatives included education in Maori language and help to lift Maori achievement in mainstream education.

"There will be a hui taumata later this year to further develop ways to help Maori achieve more in education. But this Government does not want to waste time talking when we can act, so there are already a number of positive issues in this year's Budget.

The Budget includes spending over the next four years of:

• Almost $20 million for Maori language education including $6.5 million on new teaching and learning material and $4.1 million specifically to help curriculum development at Wharekura level.
• $12.9 million to improve Maori teacher supply both in mainstream and kura kaupapa schools.
• $11.2 million on ways to help young Maori participate more fully in the school system including a mentoring programme.
• $10.4 million for Maori responsiveness initiatives including expanding the number of iwi education schooling improvement projects and piloting new approaches for professional development for teachers working with Maori students.