Anne Tolley: Investing in young Kiwis is more vital

Education Minister Anne Tolley argues that it is right to cut funding to adult community education

The Government values and is committed to lifelong learning. That's why we are investing $124 million in this area over the next four years.

Yes, some funding has been re-prioritised, but it equates to around a third of the total across the sector, rather than 80 per cent as has been claimed.

I've listened to the concerns of ACE representatives and have spoken to principals and teachers. My message has been the same throughout.

We are battling a recession and have had to make some extremely tough decisions.

New Zealand just doesn't have the money to fund recreational and hobby courses.

We need to invest this $124 million in courses which teach literacy, numeracy and foundation skills and which offer the highest likelihood of helping participants to go on to tertiary education or into the workforce.

We've reprioritised $67 million over four years into increased spending in other parts of education, such as the Youth Guarantee and skills training for the young unemployed. Is it reasonable to deny them funding in favour of cookery, pilates or belly-dancing courses?

I'm delighted that so far 180 of the 212 schools that deliver ACE have expressed an interest in offering courses next year, either funded or as a user-pays service.

Through the correspondence I've received I know many people are happy to pay a bit extra to attend courses.

Difficult decisions can't be popular with everyone.

But I am confident we are on the right track by investing in the young New Zealanders who are going to lead us out of this recession.