Despite the announcement for $11 billion in early childhood, primary and secondary education, some Kura Kaupapa say they are still in need of the basics.
Te Runanga Nui o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori says the government needs to step up and provide funds for basic infrastructure, like Māori language subject textbooks that are non-existent in Kura Kaupapa classrooms.
Kura kaupapa are in need of basic education resources.
Te Rūnanga Nui o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori Deputy Head Rawiri Wright says “we've been waiting a long time for the government to provide funding to create Māori textbooks in maths and so on but there is not a single Māori textbook available. Give them to us.”
Wright says the Runanga Nui receives minimal funding from the government to do its job properly despite the group being recognised under law.
"The School Trustees Association's (STA) existence is not supported by any law but it receives $16 million each year to carry out its work," he says.
"But the Runganga Nui, created and recognised under education legislation, receives next to nothing to do our job. That's not right."
Wright says the government has been diverting away from establishing new Kura Kaupapa, and funds could also be allocated to student support for hardship.
"We would like to see that happen, but we aren't holding our breath."
Wright wants Te Runanga Nui to receive funding equal to STA and for the government to visit Kura Kaupapa to see for themselves what it is the students need.