Send a postcard to Finance Minister Hon. Grant Robertson
In documents released last week, it was revealed that in the lead up to the Budget in May, Minister of Education Chris Hipkins asked for major increases in education funding after a decade of under-funding by the previous government.
But the Treasury suggested the Government scale back funding increases for children with additional learning needs, and advised that increases to funding for early childhood services and schools were not a priority because there was no evidence they could not cope.
For more information go to this Radio NZ story.
If you are as upset about this as we are, please send a message to the Minister of Finance Hon Grant Robertson right now!
Your message to Grant Robertson.
Dear Minister of Finance Hon Grant Robertson,
Children with additional learning needs should not be made to cope or wait.
ECEs and primary schools have been pushed to a crisis point that threatens to become a disaster. The 1.6% increase in funding for schools and ECE services in the May 2018 Budget only matched cost of living increases; Treasury was effectively recommending a cut in funding.
We call on you to urgently fund education so that all children can get the education they deserve. Our children cannot wait.
Your officials in Treasury should be held accountable to our children for their advice.
Authorised by Paul Goulter, National Secretary, NZEI Te Riu Roa, 178 Willis Street Wellington