More funding for rural schools | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Remote Wairarapa schools are to receive extra money after an announcement by Education Minister Trevor Mallard yesterday of extra annual funding for 560 isolated rural schools.

The 12 per cent increase will benefit Tuturumuri, Whareama and Tinui schools.

The increased funding is to ensure the schools and their pupils are not disadvantaged due to location.

"Because of their distance from population centres, these schools are eligible for an extra component of schools' operational funding called Targeted Funding for Isolation.

"The 12.5 per cent adjustment to TFI rates from January next year will allow schools to better meet the costs associated with operating a school in an isolated environment," Mr Mallard said.

"That brings the total annual funding for TFI close to $8 million. Schools eligible for TFI will be advised of the impact of the increase on their funding early in the new year.

"This funding increase is on top of several other government initiatives aimed at making sure rural children can access the same educational opportunities as students in urban areas," Mr Mallard said.