Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
Niue is a small self-governing island state in free association with New Zealand. The Department of Education administers education in Niue within the Ministry of Social Services. There are two public institutions for primary and secondary students in Niue, Niue Primary School and Niue High School.
The 1989 Education Act governs education funding. Funding for basic education is centralised, with both Niue Primary School and Niue High School receiving allocations in the national budget to cover personnel, subsidies and welfare, maintenance, materials, travel, and other costs. In accordance with Article 17 of the Act, funds are granted directly by the Department of Education to school committees. School committees then oversee the management of the funds in accordance with the Education Act.
Niue receives support for education from the government of New Zealand. Under the Niue Constitution Act 1974, New Zealand provides economic and administrative assistance to Niue. While the Ministry of Education in New Zealand may act as an advisor, funds are channelled through Niue’s own budgetary systems and are administered by the Department of Education.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Funds are allocated directly from the Department of Education to schools.
2. Education resources to schools
As outlined in the 1989 Education Act, the director of the Department of Education allocates funds directly to school committees. School committees oversee the management of the funds.
The school budget funds inclusive education in accordance with the 2012 Inclusive Education Policy. However, there is no distinct allocation for inclusive education, with the budget for inclusive education embedded in the Department of Education's annual plan. Activities funded under the annual plan include teacher aides and special needs teachers, transport assistance, training for school staff, assistive technology, itinerant support to schools by specialists, infrastructure funding for accessibility modifications, and community awareness building.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information was found on the targeted provision of education-focused resources to students and families.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Niue does not have any targeted social assistance measures to provide regular cash transfers to vulnerable children and their caregivers. However, the government does offer a bi-weekly universal child allowance to all Niuean children from birth to age 18.
5. School meal programmes
No information was found on a government-funded or administered school meal programme in Niue.
This profile was reviewed by Dr. Lynley Tulloch, Auckland University of Technology.
