The $280,000 Local Government Youth Partnership Fund is open for applications, Youth Minister Nikki Kaye announced today.

“This fund is about encouraging and supporting city, district and regional councils to partner with the Government, businesses and philanthropic and iwi partners to grow youth development opportunities,” says Ms Kaye.

The fund will be overseen by the Partnership Fund Board, set up in 2016 as part of a new direction for youth development in New Zealand.

“A focus of this new direction is working more collaboratively to deliver and grow youth development opportunities such as mentoring, volunteering and leadership opportunities,” says Ms Kaye.

“Funding of between $10,000 and $30,000 will be provided to individual councils to support collaborative initiatives, with the councils also contributing monetary or in-kind support towards the initiatives.

“I expect this funding will support the creation of more than 2,500 new youth development opportunities.

“The new fund recognises that councils have far-reaching local networks with young people, local businesses, iwi and community partners. We want to facilitate young people to access and benefit from these connections to grow their capabilities and resilience, and contribute to their communities at the same time.

“A single youth development opportunity can help turn lives around and kick-start young people along new pathways that set them up for future success.

“The Partnership Fund Board has achieved fantastic results in its first year, and this new fund provides another avenue for it to support the creation of new mentoring, volunteering and leadership opportunities.

“This month I announced that the Board has so far approved investment of over $1.2 million of Government funding, alongside partner contributions of over $3 million, and this has created around 7,000 new youth development opportunities.

“We have so many young people with tremendous potential, as well as councils across New Zealand who recognise this potential and the important role young people can play in their communities.

“It’s great to be able to support councils to reach out to local youth and build opportunities for them to become more involved, and develop their own potential at the same time.”

More information about the Local Government Youth Partnership Fund is available at www.myd.govt.nz/funding/partnership-fund.html

Education Minister Nikki Kaye has congratulated 30 highly-accomplished Māori and Pasifika student teachers who have been awarded Kupe Scholarships.

The prestigious scholarship aims to attract Māori and Pasifika high achievers to the teaching profession and support them to become inspiring teachers and role models in early childhood, primary and secondary education.

“I’m delighted by the outstanding calibre of scholars that the Kupe Scholarship encourages into a teaching career,” says Ms Kaye.

“These scholars have already demonstrated high academic achievement, leadership, and close links with their communities.

“This scholarship provides them the opportunity to make a real difference to children and young people, from early childhood education through to secondary and right across the country.”

The Kupe Scholarships fund course fees and study allowances, and offer mentoring and recruitment support after graduation.

“The scholarships are part of our drive to encourage more high calibre professionals into teaching, with a strong focus on increasing the number of Te Reo Maori speakers,” says Ms Kaye.

“I’m delighted that once again we have a wide range of scholars, from a former Manu Samoa rugby player, a grandmother who has changed careers from accountancy and the resident composer for the New Zealand Secondary School and New Zealand Youth Choirs.

“People come from a variety of backgrounds. Several of the scholars have families and credit their children with inspiring them to want to teach. Others are young men and women just starting out on their careers.”

More than 90 applications were received for the 30 available scholarships.

Alongside the funding each recipient also receives taonga keepsakes in the form of a stylised paddle ‘hoe’ or waka / vaka / va’a as a permanent recognition of their achievements.

These were presented by Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe at a special ceremony at Parliament in Wellington.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye today announced the formal establishment of the new $11 million primary school for Halswell in Christchurch, which will now open in 2019.

“The Halswell area is experiencing rapid growth, and we’ve responded to that by bringing forward the planned date for Halswell West Primary School, to ensure children will be able to attend a local school,” says Ms Kaye.

The new school, which is part of the Christchurch Schools Rebuild programme, was originally scheduled to open in 2022.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that our school network supports communities’ needs, especially in areas where there’s sustained population growth,” says Ms Kaye.

Halswell West Primary School will be situated on the corner of Richmond Ave and Killarney Ave, near the new residential subdivision of Knights Stream Park, between Prebbleton and Oaklands.

It will cater for children from years 1 to 8 and will initially have space for 450 students, with the capacity to expand to accept up to 700.

“I’m pleased today’s announcement reflects the wishes of the local community in Halswell. A new primary school was the preferred option following community consultation,” says Ms Kaye.

“Construction of Stage One of the school will start early in 2018.

“There will be multiple stages to the build, with the second stage beginning when roll projections show that more spaces are required. Ultimately the school will be designed to accommodate 700 students.”

An Establishment Board of Trustees will be appointed to begin the process of developing the school. 

“The Establishment Board of Trustees has a vital role to play,” says Ms Kaye.

“They will be responsible for appointing staff, including the principal and working with the Ministry of Education through the design and construction phases to set up the school.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Halswell community. The opportunities that a brand new school allows are truly eye opening when it comes to teaching practice and how students learn.

“I’ve visited some fantastic new schools right across the country to see first-hand the innovative and future focussed way staff and students are now operating.”

The funding for Halswell West Primary School is part of the $1.137 billion Christchurch School Rebuild programme, which is rebuilding or renewing 115 schools by 2022.

To date, 11 schools have been completed, 27 are under construction and 19 will start construction this year.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye has announced an increase to the maximum roll of Bethlehem College in Tauranga, and approval for the college to establish a new campus in Rotorua.

“This announcement reflects the Government’s commitment to ensure there’s both sufficient capacity where needed, as well as choice within our education network,” says Ms Kaye.

Bethlehem College is a co-ed, state-integrated school offering non-denominational Christian-based education.

As the proprietor of Bethlehem College owns and leases the property on which its school is located, the maximum roll increase was approved based on them demonstrating they have the property to support increased student numbers.

“From next year, the college will be able to provide 60 additional places for Year nine to 13 students at its Tauranga campus,” says Ms Kaye.

“Tauranga is one of our fastest-growing areas, and the Government has been investing heavily in new schools and classrooms to help meet roll growth in the city and surrounding communities.

“The additional spaces that Bethlehem College will offer from 2018 will contribute further to the enhanced capacity of the local school network.”

Bethlehem College’s new Rotorua campus will be located on the site of the current Chapman College.

“Bethlehem College will offer 120 places for Year one to eight students from its new Rotorua base from the beginning of next year,” says Ms Kaye.

Chapman College will stop providing education for Year 1-8 students from 2018. It will continue as a private school for Year 9-10 for two years, and close at the end of 2019.

“State-integrated schools such as Bethlehem College are an important part of our education system, because they offer families the choice of education with a special character that’s either religious or philosophical in nature,” says Ms Kaye.

Around 89,000 students, or around 11 per cent of the student population, are educated in state integrated schools.

“Today’s announcement means another integrated schooling pathway, linking primary and secondary schools, will be available in the Bay of Plenty area,” says Ms Kaye.

“The changes are also expected to strengthen the recently approved Waikato-Bay of Plenty Non-Denominational Christian Community of Learning.

“Communities of Learning are about increasing student achievement, through early education services, schools and tertiary providers working together to share expertise and lift the quality of teaching and learning.

“Bethlehem College is a high-performing school with above-average National Standards achievement rates, so I know there will be many families in the Tauranga and Rotorua area who will welcome today’s announcement.”

Minister of Education Nikki Kaye, today announced two appointments to the Board of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Neil Quigley is reappointed as member for one year, whilst Justine Munro is appointed as member for a term of two years.

“I am delighted with these appointments,” says Ms Kaye.

“Dr Quigley is Vice Chancellor of the University of Waikato. He has been on the Board since 2010 and will bring continuity in oversight of NZQA’s strategic work programme.

“Ms Munro comes from a background in law and management consulting, and is passionate about social innovation and change through new technologies.

“Both Neil and Justine will ensure the Board is well placed to provide governance oversight of NZQA in the coming year.”

New Zealand Qualifications Authority co-ordinates the majority of qualifications in schools and some tertiary education and training providers. It also works to ensure that New Zealand qualifications are recognised overseas and overseas qualifications are appropriately recognised in New Zealand.

“I would like to thank outgoing members, John Morgan and Rachael Tuwhangai, for their service and convey my appreciation for the time and energy they have given.

“They have each made a valuable contribution to the NZQA Board.”

Over 7000 new leadership, mentoring and volunteering opportunities for young people have been created as a result of investment decisions made by the Ministry of Youth Development’s Partnership Fund Board, Youth Minister Nikki Kaye announced today.

“In mid 2016, the Government committed funding to seed a Partnership Fund overseen by an independent board, with the aim of attracting investments from business, philanthropic, iwi and other partners to help grow youth development opportunities,” says Ms Kaye.

“Since then, the Board has approved investment of over $1.2 million of Government funding, alongside partner contributions of over $3 million.

“The fund was tasked with achieving 6,000 new opportunities annually, so to achieve 7,000 in its first year is a fantastic result.

“In total, I announced 26 new partnerships in the 2016/17 year. These were located throughout New Zealand, including remote communities, and included initiatives with a sports, technology, environmental, rural and creative focus. There were also programmes aimed at supporting young people with disabilities and developing future Maori leaders.

“Many of the partnerships involve multiple partners. It’s great to see there are so many individuals and organisations out there who see the value of investing in and developing our young people.

“An important goal of the Partnership Fund is supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“There are lots of young people with enormous potential living in situations where positive opportunities are limited. We want to reach out to them and provide support to transcend social barriers, and overcome issues such as family violence.

“At Waitangi last weekend, I met some outstanding young people who are part of a mentoring programme being delivered through a partnership with the Moko Foundation.

“I strongly believe that a youth development opportunity such as a mentoring relationship can turn a young person’s life around, or propel them in a whole new direction. It was amazing talking to the young people at Waitangi about the challenges they’d overcome and the positive paths they are now pursuing.

“Two nights ago, I was at Feilding High School where NZ Young Farmers hosted a prizegiving for AgriKids and TeenAg participants.

“TeenAg, which is helping to grow our future agriculture sector leaders, is another initiative supported by the Partnership Fund. It’s great to be meeting so many young people who are benefitting from these youth development opportunities.

“Often these opportunities enable young people to give something back to their community at the same time as they better themselves, such as programmes where young people learn leadership skills as they mentor other young people.

“We have so many talented young people, and it’s a privilege to see them growing and embarking on new pathways to success.

“Planning is underway for the next 12 months, with the Partnership Fund Board meeting soon to explore more potential investments. 

“I’m really looking forward to what will be achieved this year, and the new partners who will work with the Government to expand the reach and breadth of youth development opportunities across New Zealand."

 

The latest projects are being funded in the third round of the $18 million Teacher-led Innovation Fund (TLIF), which for the first time has been opened to teachers from early learning services to directly apply for funding.

“TLIF is about enabling our teachers from early learning through to secondary to try something new, something different and innovative to inspire children and young people in their learning.

“It’s also about ensuring that our teaching and learning practices are modern, relevant and future focused, taking the best from new methods being tried internationally alongside testing new Kiwi ideas.

“Teachers right across New Zealand are making the most of the new opportunities that digital technology and the opening up of traditional classroom spaces through modern learning environments allow, to engage children in learning in totally new ways.”

TLIF is focused on supporting projects that engage students who are Māori, Pasifika, have special education needs, or come from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Round three involves teachers from 35 schools, 10 early childhood education services me nga kōhanga reo, and 19 Communities of Learning | Kahui Ako.

During a visit to the early childhood education centre A’oga Fa’a Samoa Incorporated in Auckland, Ms Kaye highlighted the use of digital technology in round three.

“I’m delighted that several of the projects are using digital technology to improve practices in teaching and learning” says Ms Kaye.

“Teachers are tapping into the technologies that children and young people use in their daily lives to make learning relevant and exciting.

“Here at A’oga Fa’a Samoa the teachers are going to be using digital technologies to support second language learning. Another TLIF project in will use the principles of gamification to engage students.

“Alongside using new technologies the projects in round three also have a strong focus on improving the transition for students both starting school and moving between years. For example, a project in Nelson will test an international programme for new entrants with high, social, emotional and behavioural needs.”

Other projects include:

Using student profiles in the middle years to support improving student engagement and achievement, parent and whanau understanding and changing teacher practices.   Teachers working collaboratively with students and whanau to redesign curriculum, building on students’ identity, cultures and languages to lift achievement.   Using student-directed learning in science, technology engineering and maths to support boys’ writing.

“Six new projects will be led by early childhood education providers”, says Ms Kaye.

“Promoting innovation and excellence in early childhood teaching is critical, given the clear link between high quality early learning and positive education outcomes in later life.”

“All of these new and exciting teacher-led innovation projects are part of our commitment to make excellent teaching common practice in every school and service in New Zealand.”

TLIF is part of the Government’s $359 million Investing in Educational Success initiative to increase collaboration among teachers and schools to raise achievement for students. Today’s announcement adds to the 85 projects that have already been funded through TLIF.

The next funding round opens in November 2017.

 

Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Education Minister Louise Upston today announced the official opening of the $14 million redevelopment of Northland College in Kaikohe.

Ms Upston was at the college this morning for the official opening ceremony.

Ms Kaye says today is a big day for the college and the communities it serves.

“This was a major project that was effectively a school rebuild. When I visited the college in August 2015, I acknowledged that they’d been working in less than ideal conditions for some time,” says Ms Kaye.

“It was great to be able to announce the redevelopment then, and to see the completion of this big project just under two years later, which means students can now learn in a modern, innovative environment.

“I was in Waitangi last Saturday, where I met some amazing young people who are overcoming challenging backgrounds to get on a positive path to success.

“The Government is committed to investing in Northland and supporting the region and its young people to realise their potential.”

Ms Upston says the modern new facilities at Northland College, which include a multi-purpose gymnasium, library and technology areas, will provide students with the best opportunities for learning.

“With features like digital learning which increases engagement and an attached farm and forest and trades academies, Northland College is well-placed to develop better learning pathways for its students,” says Ms Upston.

“It’s particularly pleasing that Ngapuhi iwi and the local were involved in the design of the new college block from the outset.

“The Government believes it’s important that local communities and iwi are engaged with their local schools in all aspects.”

The 21 new teaching are designed to be innovative learning environments. 

The design of the new buildings includes flexible spaces and the new gymnasium and hall will provide indoor sports on full-size courts.

“Unlike traditional single classrooms where a teacher works with a single class, today’s teachers work more collaboratively with students in different sized groups and individually,” Ms Upston says.

There is also a new teen parent unit near the school complex that will allow students who are parents to continue their studies in a specially adapted environment.

The new college can accommodate 350 students but has the potential to be expanded to take up to 450 students.

The Government has decided to transfer responsibility for teachers’ professional learning and development (PLD) from the Ministry of Education to the Education Council, Education Minister Nikki Kaye announced today.

This means the total amount overseen by the Education Council over a three year period for PLD will be worth more than $200 million from the start of 2018.

“The Education Council is the independent body which promotes excellence and whose role is to share best practice in the education sector,” says Ms Kaye.”

“It makes complete sense for the Council to take over responsibility for upskilling our teachers, especially as it has a broader statutory remit than the previous Teachers’ Council.

“We know the quality of teaching and leadership has a significant impact on student achievement, so it’s only right that we do as much as we can to support teachers, principals and other education staff to grow and develop, and for them to learn new skills and improve their teaching and learning practices.”

The transfer is part of a wider redesign of support for teachers’ PLD, which has been underway for some time.

“The redesign aims to make PLD more responsive to the needs of teachers, education leaders and students, and build greater equity and excellence in priority areas of the curriculum,” says Ms Kaye.

“The transfer has been planned since the start of the PLD redesign programme, and the Education Council has worked closely alongside the Ministry of Education through all the steps of this process.

“I’m confident that the Education Council is well placed to take up this important responsibility.”

The Education Council was formed in 2015, replacing the previous Teachers’ Council. It’s responsible for establishing and maintaining the criteria for teacher registration, approving teacher education programmes and setting the criteria for qualifications that lead to teacher registration.

“Annually around $65 million is invested in teachers’ PLD, and earlier this week I announced that the Government would provide an additional $24 million over three years for professional learning and development opportunities linked to the new digital technologies curriculum content,” says Ms Kaye.

“This new investment comes on top of around $21 million of already expected spending on digital-related PLD.

“With the advent of changes to the curriculum, it’s crucial that teachers are well prepared to deliver the new content.

“The Education Council will play a key role in developing the skills and understanding of teachers in the digital space, so we can truly become a digitally fluent nation.”

Around $21 million will be invested for more new classrooms in Auckland as part of Budget 2017, say Education Minister Nikki Kaye and Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe.

Ms Kaye made the announcement during a visit to Rowandale School in Manurewa this afternoon.

“This investment will see 41 new classrooms built, including 34 roll growth and seven replacement classrooms, at eight schools across Auckland,” says Ms Kaye.

The schools receiving new classrooms are:

Beachlands School – 10 classrooms Dominion Road School – 4 classrooms Meadowbank School – 4 classrooms St Thomas School, stage 2 – 9 classrooms Bairds Mainfreight Primary School – 2 classrooms Rowandale School – 6 classrooms Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Kotuku – 2 classrooms Onehunga Primary School – 4 classrooms.

“Auckland is our fastest growing city, and the Government is committed to creating extra capacity in schools to support this,” says Ms Kaye.

“The 34 new roll growth classrooms will provide around 680 additional student places to help schools with growing rolls.

“These additional places are part of a total 4,000 new student places being delivered through Budget 17 for the Auckland region.

“Combined with 17,000 places already announced, we’re on-track to deliver a total of 21,000 new student places for Auckland by 2021.

“We’re also committed to upgrading and modernising school property, by building replacement classrooms where needed.”

Mr Macindoe says this investment is part of the $240 million investment allocated for Auckland school infrastructure under Budget 2017, which provides $87 million for roll growth classrooms across the city.

“As well as the roll growth classrooms, the total $240 million investment will provide Auckland with four new schools, one major school expansion, the relocation of two special education schools and additional special education satellite units,” says Mr Macindoe.

“Today’s announcement builds on more than $150 million invested through Budget 16 for education infrastructure in the Auckland region. This will deliver five new schools, four of which will be delivered through public private partnerships, as well as a school expansion and new roll growth classrooms.

“We have now announced all nine of the new schools that the Government pledged in 2014, with the four schools announced this year as part of Budget 17 adding to five new schools announced under Budget 16.

“Budget 17 is investing $456.5 million in education infrastructure nationally.

“This takes the Government’s overall commitment to extending and upgrading schools in recent years to over $5 billion.”

Further announcements about Budget 17 school property investments will be made over the next few weeks.