This Government is systematically cutting funding used to pay teacher aides to support neurodivergent students. Consequently, schools are supporting students who, despite severe learning and behaviour challenges, do not qualify for ORS. Funding, formerly available for students in Years 11-13 and used for teacher aide salaries, has been discontinued. Funding applications made to the ministry to support students who present behaviour or learning challenges have been reduced. Every time a kick at goal is done during the game, they kick the ball so very, very high that it always goes way over the top of the goals, resulting in a defender’s goal kick.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 06, 2026 11:55 UTC