The first stage of Budget 2020 announced on 14 May allocates significant investment in education.
Budget 2020 has been extensively impacted by the global pandemic and the public health and economic measures taken by the Government in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
As a result, Budget 2020 largely focuses on cost pressures and the first phase of initiatives responding to COVID-19, with an emphasis on maintaining core services and delivery and responding to the COVID-19 crisis. This includes:
- $1.6 billion Trades and Apprenticeships Training Package.
- $151.1 million to improve pay for qualified teachers in education and care services.
- $200 million to support Māori learners and whānau to reconnect and succeed in education post COVID-19 and strengthen the integration of te reo Māori into all students’ learning.
- $100.0 million to support Kōhanga Reo and revitalise te reo Māori.
The Government has signalled that Budget 2020 will not be the only opportunity to respond to the economic impact of COVID-19. Following the Budget, further announcements are likely on additional measures to support education and training and recovering from the impact of COVID-19.