Free, well-resourced public education for every child and student
The Green Party wants every child to get a good, free public education, from early childhood through to university. They plan to increase funding for schools and early childhood centres, improve teacher pay and reduce class sizes, provide free lunches to all students, and support Māori-language education. For tertiary students, they want to pay students $385 a week, work toward wiping student debt, and make more courses fees-free.
What they say they'll do
- Work toward universal, free early childhood education with increased funding for community-run centres and kōhanga reo
- Improve teacher pay and reduce staff-to-student ratios across all levels of education
- Expand the Ka Ora Ka Ako free school lunch programme to all students at all schools
- Resource te reo Māori and tikanga Māori teaching in all public schools and support Māori-language schools
- Pay all tertiary students a universal $385 a week and work toward fees-free tertiary education
- Work toward writing off student debt and reduce student loan repayment rates
Who this affects
School-age children and their families
Children would receive free lunches at school, and schools would have health and social services on-site, meaning families could access more support in one place.
Teachers and early childhood educators
The party says it would raise teacher pay and improve staff-to-student ratios, changing the day-to-day working conditions of people in the education workforce.
Tertiary students
Students would receive a weekly payment of $385 regardless of age or parental income, and the party would work toward making courses fees-free and writing off existing student debt.
Māori students and whānau
Kura Kaupapa Māori, kōhanga reo, and wānanga would receive dedicated resourcing, and te reo Māori would be taught in all public schools.
Students with disabilities
Schools and tertiary institutions would be required to provide inclusive learning environments and equitable opportunities for students with disabilities or additional learning needs.
In their own words
“The Green Party also understands that the working conditions of our teachers are the learning conditions of our tamariki. We will make sure teachers have everything they need to guide our children through some of the most important years of their life.”
“Our Income Guarantee will support students with everything they need to succeed without having to skip meals to make ends meet. Whatever they are studying, whatever level they're studying it at, and no matter how old they are or how much their parents earn.”
“Expand Ka Ora Ka Ako lunches in schools to provide fresh, nutritious lunches to all students at all schools.”
Summarised neutrally from Green’s own official policy (as at 2026-06-23) and checked by an editor — never paraphrased without the source linked, and never an endorsement. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Education →
Coverage at a glance
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
| Party | Economy | Housing | Health | Education | Climate | Environment | Crime & Justice | Treaty & Māori Affairs | Immigration | Foreign Policy |
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| Te Pāti Māori | ||||||||||
| TOP |
Published position∅ No stated position (verified) Not captured yet