Labour will cut back-to-school costs for Kiwi families, starting with cheaper school uniforms and more choice about where parents buy them.
“Getting kids ready for school shouldn’t mean starting the term with another big bill. Families are already stretched, and school costs can push household budgets to the limit,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
“Parents deserve a fair go. We’ll cut the cost of school uniforms, bring back healthy school lunches and work towards restoring rural school buses, taking pressure off family budgets.
“Cost should never be a barrier to a good education. We’re focused on making life more affordable for families.
“Labour will make school uniforms cheaper by limiting the number of compulsory branded items schools can require and allowing affordable, generic alternatives that meet uniform requirements.
“Families shouldn’t need to turn to hardship support just to get their kids ready for school. We can take practical steps to bring those costs down,” Chris Hipkins said.
Under Labour, schools will be required to:
Limit the number of compulsory branded uniform items families must buy.
Allow affordable, non-branded alternatives that meet school uniform requirements.
Take affordability into account when setting uniform policies.
Track and publish uniform costs so progress towards making uniforms cheaper can be measured.
“Schools can maintain their identity without forcing parents to pay a premium for a logo. If a plain navy polo does the job, parents shouldn’t have to pay more for the branded version,” Labour education spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.
“I’ve heard from families who get through Christmas only to face another big bill when school starts. Uniforms, lunches, transport - it all adds up.
“Cheaper uniforms are just one part of our plan. Labour will bring back fresh, locally made school lunches from Term 1 2028 and restore the 43 rural school bus routes National cancelled, where possible, working with communities where routes can no longer be reinstated.
“That means lower costs for families, reliable transport for rural kids and healthy lunches that help children learn.
“Getting an education shouldn’t come with a price tag that puts families under pressure. Labour will make school more affordable for parents and better for kids,” Ginny Andersen said.
