Financing Education

Abstract

Although education was an issue of major concern to voters in the lead-up to the 1993 election, and political parties responded with a variety of policy proposals, there was a noticeable reticence for further state funding of education. By international standards, tax levels are low in New Zealand, as is participation by tertiary standards. But whether increases in Vote: Education are the best use of further tax dollars depends on philosophical stances as to the nature of education. The human capital school argue for increased fees, whilst those who regard education as a right have to realise that quality may suffer if the state is the sole funder. Provision and policy development based in Iwi and Maori worlds are not covered.