We’re so lucky in Southland to have such fabulous rural schools, with dedicated and hard-working teachers, great boards of trustees, and of course excellent students.

There are 31 small rural primary schools across Southland. They provide a special kind of education and have a community connection that is truly unique.

I recently attended a Southland rural primary school sports event in Invercargill.

It was a great day for everyone involved and was no doubt a highlight at the start of the educational year.

Education is a key focus for this Government.

We’re committed to ensuring every child is inspired and engaged with their learning.

The Government is currently rolling out new English, and Science resources and initiatives, helping raise student achievement and spark discovery in primary classrooms.

The resources include new science kits and a new teacher-facilitated writing tool for Year 6 to 10 students, who are one year or more behind.

The new science kits are now rolling out across schools and will encourage interest in science from an early age and support teachers to deliver practical, interactive lessons.

Through a $40 million Government investment, there’ll be full national coverage of the science kits by early 2027, to align with the implementation of the new science curriculum.

This is a Government that has put more resources into the hands of students, including those in rural schools, to help raise achievement and close the equity gap.

Country children and teachers deserve excellent resources and support to set them up for success.

Our investment today is about fixing the basics and raising student achievement here in Southland and across the country.

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