To deliver Budget 2026 investments, we have assessed underspends and reprioritised initiatives that are underperforming or lack clear evidence that they are delivering intended outcomes.

Around $65 million within the Vote has been identified for reinvestment into priority education initiatives.

Younger Provision#

• $14 million opex

This initiative reprioritises funding from ending Younger Provision due to limited evidence of impacts. Younger Provision supported learners in Years 1 to 8 at risk of disengaging from education.

Te Rito#

• $13 million opex

This initiative reprioritises funding from reducing the scope of the Te Rito programme to focus on core delivery components from July 2026.

Professional learning and development#

• $12 million opex

This initiative reprioritises underspent funding that was allocated for professional learning and development.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)#

• $11.6 million opex

This initiative reprioritises funding by not renewing contracts within the wider Positive Behaviour for Learning Programme.

These contracts are: 

• Check and Connect | Te Hononga
• Restorative Practice
• Te Mana Tikitiki 
• School-Wide operating expenses peer support and coach funding.

Cyber security and digital support#

• $6 million opex

This initiative reprioritises underspent funding that was allocated for the cyber security and digital support programme. Returning this funding will have no impact to current service delivery.

Targeted Assistance for Participation (TAP)#

• $3 million opex

This initiative reprioritises underspent funding for Targeted Assistance for Participation (TAP). These underspends have occurred due to the pausing of TAP funding.

E-ako and Pathways Awarua#

• $1.8 million opex

From 30 June 2026, the Ministry of Education will no longer fund licenses for E-Ako, E-Ako Pāngarau, PLD 360 and Pathways Awarua. This decision was made following a review of E-Ako, E-Ako Pāngarau and PLD 360 which confirmed that the content no longer aligns with the strengthened National Curriculum. Pathways Awarua is part of this service contract.