Learning support funding pleases Rotorua educators

Lorraine Pukepuke is pleased with funding for learning support initiatives. Photo/Stephen Parker

Increased funding for learning support and early childhood education is being hailed as a "wise investment" by Rotorua educators.

The Government's 2018 Budget includes an extra $1.6 billion for education over the next four years.

This will fund more teachers and teacher aides, early childhood education, new schools and classrooms.

It also includes $249.3 million over four years for learning support initiatives and a $590.2 million boost for early childhood education.

The Ole Schoolhouse owner Eric Hollis said he was happy to see increased funding for learning support but was disappointed by the increase in funding for early childhood education.

"What we'll get will only be a small, modest increase but it's the first modest increase we've had in a while.

"I'm disappointed it wasn't more robust but at least it shows there's some intention to support early learning."

He said investing in learning support was wise.

John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh is generally pleased with the 2018 Budget. Photo/File

John Paul College Principal Patrick Walsh was also pleased with the investment in learning support.

"Students with learning support needs have been long neglected," he said.

He said schools may still struggle with day-to-day running but overall he was pleased.

"It's targeted the right areas in terms of early childhood education, learning support and growth."

Lorraine Pukepuke, an Owhata School teacher involved with Special Olympics Rotorua, was ecstatic about extra funding for learning support, particularly teacher aides.

"There's lots of things we need to do right and that was one of them; teacher aide funding and resources to help achieve what's needed in schools.

"Overall I'm happy. These were things our new leader was wanting to put in there and she's walking the talk."

Briar Stewart, the president of the Rotorua Principals' Association. Photo/file

Rotorua Principals' Association president Briar Stewart said she was pleased to see property needs acknowledged and funding for 1500 new teachers by 2021.

"But it's important we have quality teachers ... we need people that understand our Māori culture and tikanga," she said

Education investment
- $590.2 million operating boost for early childhood education
- $284 million for learning support for children with special education needs and learning difficulties
- $649.4 million will go to operational spending
- $613.1 million to address teacher supply.
- $370.0 million will be used to fund 1,500 new teacher places by 2021
- Capital investment of $394.9 million to fund new schools and classrooms.