As Term 2 begins and students settle back into their learning, our Government is stepping up to deliver real support for hardworking Kiwis by investing in education and skills training that will benefit families and communities across the country.
One of the most important investments we can make in our future is education. Teachers are at the heart of lifting achievement, closing the equity gap and ensuring every Kiwi child can thrive. From 1 July, they will no longer have to pay registration or practicing certificate fees, saving up to $550 each. Around 40,000 school and early learning teachers will benefit in the first year alone, and approximately 115,000 teachers over three years.
We are also investing $67 million over four years to strengthen the teaching of literacy and numeracy, ensuring students gain the strong foundations they need to succeed. A refreshed curriculum will provide greater clarity about what students must learn and when, improving consistency across schools.
Since coming into office, the Government has doubled the number of paid School Onsite Training Programme places to 1200, helped 352 teachers return to the classroom by covering practicing certificate fees, welcomed 1400 overseas-trained teachers through the Green List Straight to Residence pathway, funded relocation packages for 891 qualified teachers and awarded more than 400 scholarships to support teacher training.
Beyond the classroom, trades and apprenticeships are also being backed to help grow our economy. Skilled tradespeople remain the backbone of New Zealand’s communities and industries. Reforms to work-based learning will give industries greater control over training, ensuring apprentices gain the real-world skills needed to build a stronger future. Apprenticeship Boost will continue from 2025, providing financial support to help first-year apprentices make a strong start in their careers.
Together, these initiatives show that growth is not just a slogan – it is being put into action through meaningful, practical support for our people. By backing both our teachers and our tradies, we are laying strong foundations for a brighter, more prosperous New Zealand.
I am proud to champion initiatives that deliver real change and create opportunities for New Zealanders to thrive. There is a genuine sense of momentum across our communities, and I will keep working hard alongside you to build a stronger New Zealand for everyone. (Hon Melissa Lee)
National List MP based in Mt Albert Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington MPLee@parliament.govt.nz
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