Labour will fund 1,000 extra teacher aides to give Kiwi kids the support they need to learn and get the best possible start in life. 

“Too many teachers are stretched trying to meet the needs of every child, while schools are dipping into their budgets or fundraising to pay for learning support,” Labour education spokesperson Ginny Andersen said. 

"An extra 1,000 teacher aides will mean more individual support for students who need it, more help in busy classrooms, and greater confidence for parents that their children aren’t being left behind. 

"Schools are seeing more children with complex learning needs. Teachers are doing an incredible job, but they can't do it alone. 

“Labour will invest $80 million over four years to fund the additional teacher aides, while simplifying funding to give schools more certainty and teacher aides more job security. 

“We’ll also build on the 2022 Highest Needs Review to identify gaps in learning support and make it easier for schools to access the resources they need. 

“Labour will also introduce healthier boundaries around screens in schools and bring back locally made school lunches - helping kids focus on learning, eat well and thrive. 

“Every child deserves the support they need to reach their potential. Investing in our kids is investing in New Zealand’s future,” Ginny Andersen said.