# Question 132: For the 2026 New Zealand general election: What do parties propose for childcare, schools, learning support and tertiary education?

Collected 26 October 2026

[NZ Election 2026 · Edition 6 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/6)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: 641e04cb-3281-4938-840d-0e74870e7ef6

# New Zealand 2026 election: Education policy comparison

The key issues to compare across parties are childcare affordability, school funding and curriculum, support for students with additional learning needs, and the cost and accessibility of tertiary education.

One important distinction: an election promise is not the same as an existing government policy. For the 2026 New Zealand general election, it's worth separating measures already in place from new commitments, proposed spending and longer-term goals.

I'll focus on nationwide policies rather than local electorate candidates, and cover the main parliamentary parties where their policies can be verified. I can't assume that every party has published a complete 2026 manifesto, so gaps in the available policy information should not be mistaken for a lack of policy.

## 1. At a glance: the main parties

| Party | Overall direction on education |
| --- | --- |
| National | Stronger academic basics, standardised assessment, new qualifications and earlier identification of learning needs. [Teaching the basics brilliantly](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/education-teaching-the-basics-brilliantly)[National will lift school leaving requirements](https://www.national.org.nz/news/261011-ericastanford) |
| Labour | More classroom support, lower costs for families and students, and a different approach to curriculum and assessment. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy) |
| Green Party | Free early childhood education, stronger inclusion, more public investment and wider access to tertiary study. [Green Budget: Early Childhood Education for Everyone](https://www.greens.org.nz/green_budget_early_childhood_education_for_everyone)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Party policies, simplified: Education](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-education/) |
| ACT | Clear academic standards, school choice, more vocational pathways and greater parental choice. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/policies/education)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/act-will-put-trades-on-an-equal-footing-with-university) |
| New Zealand First | A family-cost focus includes its proposed Kiwi Kids Grant; its detailed education commitments need to be checked individually. [NZFirst Announces Policy to Encourage Kiwis To Have More Kids](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_announces_policy_to_encourage_kiwis_to_have_more_kids)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/) |
| Te Pāti Māori | Māori-led education, te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori, alongside expanded support for students and whānau. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Party policies, simplified: Education](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-education/) |
| The Opportunities Party (TOP) | A long-term, cross-party education plan and reform of curriculum and assessment. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Party policies, simplified: Education](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-education/) |

These are broad policy directions, not a claim that every item listed is a newly announced 2026 pledge. The sections below distinguish specific commitments where the available sources provide them.

## 2. Childcare and early childhood education

![About Co Kids - Dedicated Childcare and Preschool in New Zealand — CoKids](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/zeuc5WKmM7eAu_hsUW1LEi6LZt4o2Wfn8oUVxdjkYFBNkiChP-SGb86wFMb48G-yONqcaCp6MnbJOK7Pojazrjpu_qB6R8bOl9nZ9l3TbpPDPOZh6cr1SiL9NKJt6i9f7PEncVlUuGMvSVnKczk1QR9W_QW1VqMkiwuc8GZ4ecE?purpose=inline)

Greens — make ECE free

The Greens announced a plan for free early childhood education, aiming to reduce the cost barrier for families. Their wider approach places emphasis on universal access and the public value of early learning. [Green Budget: Early Childhood Education for Everyone](https://www.greens.org.nz/green_budget_early_childhood_education_for_everyone)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)

Labour — strengthen the ECE system

Labour says it will affirm Te Whāriki, work towards pay parity for ECE teachers and strengthen oversight of services, including community and language-based provision. This is not the same as promising fully free childcare. [Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)

- National: Its education plan emphasises developmental milestones during early childhood, reporting progress to parents, school-readiness checks and expanded early intervention for children who need extra help. It also proposes no screens or individual device use in ECE settings. [Teaching the basics brilliantly](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/education-teaching-the-basics-brilliantly)
- ACT: Its approach includes simplifying ECE regulation and reviewing funding to make it simpler and fairer, with a stated commitment not to reduce overall funding. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/two-years-of-fixing-what-matters-what-act-has-achieved-for-new-zealand)
- New Zealand First: Its proposed Kiwi Kids Grant would support eligible New Zealand citizens raising their first three children during each child's first three years. It is a family-cost measure rather than a commitment to make childcare free. [NZFirst Announces Policy to Encourage Kiwis To Have More Kids](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_announces_policy_to_encourage_kiwis_to_have_more_kids)

The key difference: the Greens' proposal directly targets fees; Labour focuses on the workforce and quality of provision; National emphasises readiness and early identification of developmental needs.

## 3. Schools: teaching, curriculum and costs

![An hour a day of reading, writing, and maths](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/W51-qrvrKfu6tIYUnbKfoY62uRNWbWSjRtm-l5MfV-1pWcGPA7jdMSI3G1P09hXSYjb74L1Xqwy1X7JTkkNMR8tjev6VehI_PTKFovrhfx2Y6X6YiJypZx8ZmuqU_M3Xri1aD6xEVGKYms8ORAoKByZVe33jx1-w1-kuJhsRJFg?purpose=inline)

National — more time on core learning

National proposes a School Start Check before children begin school, tighter limits on screens in primary classrooms, paper-based writing assessments, consistent school dates and replacement of NCEA from 2028 with new qualifications. It also proposes requiring students to remain at school until they complete Year 11 or turn 16, whichever comes later. [Teaching the basics brilliantly](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/education-teaching-the-basics-brilliantly)[National will lift school leaving requirements](https://www.national.org.nz/news/261011-ericastanford)

- Labour — reduce costs and change course on reforms. Labour has proposed pausing the current government's curriculum overhaul and NCEA changes. Its 2026 commitments include cheaper school uniforms, restoring healthy school lunches from Term 1 2028, restoring rural school buses and funding school improvements. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)
- Greens — inclusion and language revitalisation. Their education approach emphasises inclusive learning and greater support for te reo Māori. The 2026 policy tracker also identifies a commitment to restore and extend the school lunch programme to another 400 schools. [Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)
- ACT — choice, accountability and vocational options. ACT supports charter schools, clear academic standards and transparent reporting. It has also proposed more affordable school uniforms, making better use of empty seats on rural school buses, and industry-led vocational subjects for secondary students. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/policies/education)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/act-will-put-trades-on-an-equal-footing-with-university)
- Te Pāti Māori — Māori-led education. Its stated direction includes embedding mātauranga Māori, normalising te reo Māori and expanding school lunches and student transport. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)
- TOP — a long-term plan. TOP proposes a 10-year, cross-party education plan and an independent curriculum and assessment council, aiming to give education more continuity across changes of government. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

### What this means for families

The biggest differences are over how schools should improve achievement and who should shape learning:

- National and ACT place greater emphasis on measurable academic progress, clear standards and accountability.
- Labour proposes reversing or pausing some current reforms and prioritising practical help with school costs.
- The Greens and Te Pāti Māori put greater emphasis on inclusion, te reo Māori and Māori educational aspirations.
- TOP focuses on longer-term system stability.

These are differences in emphasis, not mutually exclusive goals: parties can support literacy and numeracy while disagreeing about assessment, curriculum, school governance and funding.

## 4. Learning support, disability and neurodiversity

![Learning from the MacLean Centre’s approach to inclusion – Education Gazette](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/sc8N7oeyv3lJjxbQBo2sHVXx4QDEoMXzgVp3JY82RBpyIdr49PcV1Ybl-ScEas469IJUF7BtWvh42H5hmJXoD5ahK7P9x_YrEhcxYlK29lDa0fZrBlzddmW6KRd-EBP4dkVsPiSUPcnvluC24QQk6bpxYT8YyLvZW1lbkSHEwuM?purpose=inline)

National — expand support within schools

National proposes Learning Support Coordinators for all schools with Year 1–8 students from 2028, plus additional teacher-aide hours and training, building to two million extra hours annually. It also plans to expand early intervention and deliver more specialist classrooms and school facilities. [Teaching the basics brilliantly](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/education-teaching-the-basics-brilliantly)[Party policies, simplified: Education](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-education/)

- Labour: Has committed to $80 million over four years for an additional 1,000 teacher aides, according to the 2026 election policy tracker. Labour also opposes ACT's proposal to allow teachers to use reasonable force against students. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Party policies, simplified: Education](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-education/)
- Greens: Propose expanding eligibility for learning support, establishing a single agency to coordinate and resource specialist supports for learners with health and disability needs, and implementing the Ministry of Education's Framework for Action: A Quality Education for All. [Party policies, simplified: Education](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-education/)
- Te Pāti Māori: Proposes a Māori-led taskforce to transform support for disabled, neurodivergent and learning-different students, with better-resourced teachers, accessible learning environments and professional development grounded in mātauranga Māori. [Party policies, simplified: Education](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-education/)
- ACT: Emphasises school choice, classroom order and parental options. It proposes allowing reasonable and proportionate physical intervention to prevent harm or serious property damage, with safeguards. Labour and the Greens oppose allowing teachers to use force under this approach. [Party policies, simplified: Education](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-education/)

### The important distinction

For families of children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities or complex learning needs, the crucial questions are not just whether a party supports inclusion, but:

- Will there be more teacher-aide hours and specialist staff?
- Will support begin sooner, with fewer delays for assessment?
- Will eligibility criteria change?
- Will specialist schools and accessible facilities expand?
- How much additional funding is committed, and when will it arrive?

National's proposed staffing hours and coordinators, Labour's teacher-aide funding and the Greens' proposed changes to eligibility and service coordination are particularly relevant to compare. The announcements do not, by themselves, establish how quickly every child will receive support.

## 5. Tertiary education, apprenticeships and student debt

![Help with study | University of Waikato](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/LCirX0gg1WiOBH0zjuk9ZjsMeostTR7Wk0DC2AMuL9kO7WFncgdhG1EhsX4HH48Ao2raxbxiF2hByan2CKT-zwsFeju1RQL4e52UZUTEyAzb_zd_iigGNi3r7ppsYHKwW6I-0UHmpBgYRQOBhEGv3hDECY0CzlEJjUN5m28_yuw?purpose=inline)

Greens — broader financial support for students

The Greens propose a universal student income, including for postgraduate students; at least the living wage for courses requiring work placements; more sustainable funding for universities and polytechnics; expanded free apprenticeships; reduced student-loan repayments; and working towards fees-free tertiary education and a student-debt write-off. [Tertiary Education](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026_tertiary_education)

- Labour — cut existing student debt. Labour proposes a 10% reduction in eligible student-loan balances, with balances of $2,000 or less written off completely. Eligibility for current and future students is linked to remaining in New Zealand for three years after study. Labour also proposes extending Apprenticeship Boost, a $1,000 toolbox grant and support for five additional trades. [Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)
- ACT — reduce compulsory student fees and expand vocational choices. ACT proposes making university Student Services Fees voluntary, letting students choose which services to pay for. It also wants industry-led school subjects, Industry Awards and stronger links between vocational study and apprenticeships. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/student_services_fee)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/act-will-put-trades-on-an-equal-footing-with-university)
- National — new school qualifications and employment pathways. National's education programme focuses on replacing NCEA from 2028 and strengthening the transition from school into further study, training and employment. Its school-leaving proposal would require students to complete Year 11 or turn 16, whichever comes later. [Teaching the basics brilliantly](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/education-teaching-the-basics-brilliantly)[National will lift school leaving requirements](https://www.national.org.nz/news/261011-ericastanford)
- Labour — support vocational training. Beyond student debt relief, its Māori-led skilled-work programme proposes $21 million annually, and its apprenticeship measures aim to help employers take on and retain more apprentices. [Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)
- Greens — protect polytechnics and widen access. The party explicitly proposes protecting courses, campuses and staff from cuts, giving polytechnics stronger local control, and expanding Māori and Pasifika Trades Training. [Tertiary Education](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026_tertiary_education)

### What is the difference for students?

| If your priority is… | Policies worth comparing |
| --- | --- |
| Lowering an existing student loan | Labour's proposed 10% balance reduction |
| More help with living costs while studying | The Greens' proposed universal student income |
| Reducing compulsory university charges | ACT's proposed voluntary Student Services Fees |
| Free or lower-cost tertiary study | The Greens' longer-term fees-free goal and student-debt proposal |
| Trades and apprenticeships | Labour's Apprenticeship Boost and ACT's industry-led vocational pathways |
| Keeping regional polytechnic courses available | The Greens' proposal to protect courses, campuses and staff |

These proposals are not directly interchangeable. For example, a reduction in an existing loan balance does not help with rent next week in the same way a weekly student income might.

## 6. Where to check the full policies

For the latest details, eligibility rules, funding and implementation dates, start with the parties' own policy pages and the independent election tracker.

![The Beehive Parliament Building in Wellington, New Zealand](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/DYnJcXGG7oiwh_Y1ifNg8WWM1X1lyU0Sa0lwn0SoDi5ceRCjeUsh-YCylXUKzIMZ38NyV8_KE3iJTgyRFWMD2v2itZlq5WfwVzDbojfjGrSsHKB-f_YP9nL4hKTg78bQGQgaeWMGz6VY7XtJwI6KhDqwnRiTocguH_1ABJ3k14nGPzM8YB9QcZfR0fLNq-lk?purpose=inline)

Independent comparison

Policy.nz provides a topic-by-topic comparison of party commitments.

[Policy.nz — 2026 education policies](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/education?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/education)

![How Te Mata School Builds Reading Fluency for Thriving Learners](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/0fWjAV5RU8F3SBUjoNaIT4fsd5cRUqzjkWPqn41Z0zxSEESnAGqghWzneQbXlblCLjjiiBGHa55leRHMAVvqA28ev56QSd-GB40pE0gAEo4yhnISCE4wM5LEa5__qrpcuFsmXnr3dO69JKTpJl1MCIZ-B3lKqcNm1sCMfBGT33o?purpose=inline)

National

[Teaching the basics brilliantly](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/education-teaching-the-basics-brilliantly?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Teaching the basics brilliantly](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/education-teaching-the-basics-brilliantly)

![Kindergarten Spreydon Christchurch | Te Whare Rama](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/5PtVpc9t_7GkJujIpcd_XRPXx3e6ROXNwnkT1fXNn1l3q6m8QaJTpGPNk9qWjiPSC4-hABUtzaR6jClSitPZ_L1lIDCZAN048EaoZnJZATPVy7MG4Af25pVbDUnUF5ScBJYwwsmswUpJlooXt6e8ArkpZJaEAt4-iA-NIfjKNvw?purpose=inline)

Labour

[Labour's 2026 policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy?utm_source=chatgpt.com) · [Early childhood education policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/ece?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)[Early Childhood Education](https://www.labour.org.nz/ece)

![The University of Otago | Courses, Rankings, Expenses, Scholarships & Intakes](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/FW6IUS2zQr0BCk2RIITOvMmspWtl6a2E0tJRedYHoQGwYfjWyY3qN0nidkjnDQCihDGvO5VbFLtPDtuiF5Ax_ffmJm6_V65tRXDbkUCJid_YfvLGA43_de5X-VXZnuLL4dJGyw2Zd6JKR520shjDwn-4HPSCESnv2IQPgE_HcMU?purpose=inline)

Greens

[2026 manifesto](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) · [Tertiary education policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026_tertiary_education?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Tertiary Education](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026_tertiary_education)

![Video and Photo Gallery - Tauranga Boys' College](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/h7zIKqHhR7tpWGTfma0KV8W4DwtynwrQ56tQgYgtnu6BfyhRod3ozgXZ7e0xA8Y1hf5Z63A2SEprjoGUgA2n4Y9luSJUIULasqiq0cL6kcFbgQD53KIDeXl41exymzouSi4Ad_7UWfP5Opn1QLvGsHi6S7teJ2FijR2yfxFAov8?purpose=inline)

ACT

[Education policy](https://www.act.org.nz/policies/education?utm_source=chatgpt.com) · [Student Services Fees](https://www.act.org.nz/student_services_fee?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/policies/education)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/student_services_fee)

## Bottom line

Across these four areas, the clearest policy differences are:

- Childcare: the Greens' free-ECE proposal versus Labour's focus on teacher pay, ratios, quality and oversight.
- Schools: National's emphasis on academic standards and assessment versus Labour's proposed changes to the current reforms, with different priorities around inclusion and school choice across the other parties.
- Learning support: National's proposed additional support hours and coordinators, Labour's extra teacher aides, and the Greens' and Te Pāti Māori's proposals for more inclusive and coordinated services.
- Tertiary education: Labour's targeted student-debt reduction, the Greens' more extensive student-income and fees-free ambitions, and ACT's focus on reducing compulsory charges and expanding vocational pathways.

When evaluating any of these promises, the three most useful tests are how much extra funding is committed, who qualifies, and when the change would actually take effect.

## Gemini

Answer ID: 6c76a857-fc36-4820-bb8f-2f683e20a847

For the **2026 New Zealand general election**, political parties have outlined distinct approaches across early childhood education (ECE), schools, learning support, and tertiary education. 

---

### 1. Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Childcare
* **National:** Focuses on pre-school preparation by introducing a **School Start Check** in ECE, establishing developmental milestones, and tracking progress to identify early support needs. They have also proposed rules around limiting screen time and addressing service regulations.
* **Labour / Left-leaning parties (Greens, Te Pāti Māori):** Focus more heavily on public and community-provision models. The Green Party, for instance, has advocated moving toward ending public funding for private, for-profit ECE centres by 2028, alongside bolstering kaupapa Māori and community-governed providers.
* **ACT / Right-leaning alignment:** Generally prefer mixed models emphasizing parental choice and market-driven provisions, while the government has managed operational funding and fee support structures like FamilyBoost.

---

### 2. Schools and Curriculum
* **National:** Emphasizes traditional academic basics (the "teach the basics brilliantly" agenda requiring daily reading, writing, and math), maintaining phone bans in schools, supporting the expansion of charter/partnership schools, and replacing NCEA with updated qualification milestones.
* **Labour:** Focuses on standard public schooling support, opposing charter schools, and introducing measures to curb device/screen distractions in classrooms.
* **ACT:** Strongly champions school choice, charter schools, and innovative funding mechanisms like **Student Education Accounts**, which would give parents public funding allowances to spend at registered schools of choice.
* **Green Party & The Opportunity Party (TOP):** Advocate for broader structural reforms, such as removing political interference from curriculum design via independent bodies, embedding te Tiriti and Aotearoa history deeply into learning, and reducing standardized-testing pressures.

---

### 3. Learning Support
* **National:** Pledges the continued deployment and presence of Learning Support Coordinators across all schools alongside increases in teacher aide workforces to assist neurodivergent students and those with high behavioral or learning needs.
* **Opposition Parties (Labour, Greens, Te Pāti Māori):** Frequently criticize current funding models as under-resourced, advocating instead for a centrally-resourced, demand-driven model where schools do not have to "compete" for learning support allocations or waitlists for educational psychologists and specialist therapists.

---

### 4. Tertiary Education, Trades, and Student Support
* **The Fees-Free Debate & Student Debt:** 
  * **The Greens & Te Pāti Māori:** Push for expanded, universal policies—the Greens support working toward universal fees-free tertiary education and student debt write-offs, while Te Pāti Māori advocates for writing off student loans for those working locally and establishing a universal student allowance.
  * **Labour:** Implemented the original fees-free scheme and for 2026 campaigned on writing off 10% of student loan balances for New Zealand-based graduates who missed out on fees-free (clearing balances under $2,000 entirely).
  * **National / ACT:** National supports keeping loan repayment obligations while lowering the repayment rate to 10% (from April 2027) and raising interest rates for overseas-based borrowers. ACT has historically opposed fees-free as inefficient and favors shifting focus toward targeted industry and trades training.
* **Trades and Vocational Training:** Right-leaning and centrist parties strongly emphasize redirection of funds into targeted trades and apprenticeship incentives to fill immediate industry skill shortages, whereas left-leaning parties emphasize a balance between academic university funding and robust polytechnic (Te Pūkenga structure reforms) networks.

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: cf1cb2a4-3d3c-416e-b627-0dda6f65e854

For the **2026 New Zealand general election** , political parties have outlined distinct approaches across early childhood education (ECE/childcare), school operations, learning support, and tertiary education.

* * *

**Childcare and Early Childhood Education (ECE)**

 * * **National:** Proposes restrictions on screen and device use in ECE settings, a **School Start Check** , and a greater focus on developmental milestones and progress reporting. [The Office of ECE]

 * **Green Party:** Aims to **end for-profit funding by 2028** , cap fees at **$10 per day** immediately, and transition to **completely free ECE (35 hours)** by 2029, alongside direct teacher funding. [The Office of ECE]

 * **New Zealand First:** Proposes a **Kiwi Kids Grant** , offering a **$5,000 per year tax-free grant** for the first three years per child. [The Office of ECE]

 * **The Opportunities Party (TOP):** Proposes replacing standard licensing with quality contracting, co-locating ECE services with retirement villages, adjusting home-based ratios to **2:8** , and increasing core and Playcentre funding (with targeted ratios of 1:3, 1:5, and 1:8). [The Office of ECE]

 * **Te Pāti Māori:** Focuses on strengthening the **Te Kōhanga Reo Act** , backed by a **$20 million annual capital fund** and a **$50 million build and refurbishment investment**. [The Office of ECE]

 * **Labour & ACT:** Labour’s comprehensive ECE manifesto details focus on a qualified and paid workforce/network management; ACT emphasizes reducing regulatory compliance and supporting workforce participation rather than new market interventions. [The Office of ECE]

 *

* * *

**Schools and Curriculum**

 * * **National:** Emphasizes stricter controls on digital device and screen usage in classrooms, financial literacy requirements, and expanded tracking of student progress.

 * **Infrastructure & Funding (Labour):** Pledges **$4 billion** in broader capital and building allocations, including direct improvements and upgrades to school facilities nationwide.

 * **Discipline & Classroom Management:** Right-leaning parties (such as ACT and National) strongly feature policies giving teachers and schools enhanced authority to address classroom disruption and manage attendance rules.

 * **Māori Education:** Te Pāti Māori continues to advocate for a dedicated **Māori Education Authority** to govern and resource indigenous schooling pathways.

 *

* * *

**Learning Support and Special Needs**

 * * Parties have generally framed learning support around workforce training, resourcing teacher aides, and early intervention checks.

 * **National and center-right parties** lean toward early developmental screening (such as the _School Start Check_ at entry points) to catch learning and developmental delays sooner.

 * **Green and progressive parties** emphasize direct, needs-based funding models tied to public/non-profit service delivery rather than contestable or commercially operated provider models. [The Office of ECE]

 *

* * *

**Tertiary Education, Apprenticeships, and Student Support**

 * * **Apprenticeships & Vocational Training:**
 * **Labour:** Commits **$226 million** toward the _Apprenticeship Boost_ scheme and **$84 million** for Māori trades training initiatives. [The Conversation]

 * **Fees, Student Allowances, and Loans:**
 * Parties across the spectrum offer varying packages around **fees-free tertiary study** , universal student allowances, paid placements for student teachers, and adjustments to student loan repayment rules or overseas-based borrower enforcement (tracked via platform guides like Policy.nz). [Policy.nz]

 * **Governance and Ethnicity-Based Support:**
 * Debates span proposals to alter or restrict how tertiary institutions allocate targeted or ethnicity-based student support services, alongside tighter constraints on international student visa work rights. [Policy.nz]

 *

* * *

 _Tip: You can compare specific line-item pledges across all registered contenders using the interactiveRNZ Election Policy Guide 2026 or Policy.nz._