Purpose
Improving equity of access and achievement for all learners is a core part of the tertiary sector’s contribution to New Zealand’s educational priorities. TEOs[1] need to respond to the diverse needs and aspirations of students of all ethnicities, genders, ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
The purpose of Equity funding is to provide additional support to improve participation, retention, completion and progression of learners within the targeted groups. Government expectations about the type of support offered are set out in Ka Hikitia - Managing for Success, the Pasifika Education Plan 2008-2012 and Kia Orite: Achieving Equity.
Equity funding is not intended to be the sole or primary source of funding used to support Māori and Pacific students and students with disabilities. It is a ‘top-up’ to SAC funding, in recognition of the higher costs that can be associated with supporting these students.
Funding generated by EFTS[2] related to each group must be spent on that group. For example, funding generated from Māori EFTS must only be spent on supporting Māori students.