The Government says its priority is keeping schools open and students in classrooms as the country manages fuel supply pressures.

Education Minister Erica Stanford has directed the Ministry of Education to speak with every school by the end of the week to build a national picture of fuel use and operational risks, then tailor support so schools can stay open.

“The lockdowns during the pandemic were incredibly damaging to student engagement. We are committed to doing everything we can to not repeat that experience for families again,” Stanford said.

The Ministry has been told to:

• Check in with the early learning sector this week to gauge preparedness.
• Use real-time information to spot pressure points early and respond quickly.
• Engage with suppliers to understand any impacts on school lunches, attendance services and transport.
• Develop and stress-test plans for the school bus network and Specialised School Transport Assistance.
• Work with the Rural Schools Association and sector groups on challenges facing rural and remote communities.
• Monitor diesel availability for schools using diesel boilers and work directly with those sites to ensure heating, including through winter.

Stanford said attendance changes were minimal so far and thanked schools, parents and communities for prioritising education. Of the schools contacted to date, 56 percent had started or completed planning for potential fuel changes, and 58 percent had taken steps to improve fuel efficiency.

Further details on the sector response will follow once discussions with schools are complete. The Ministry will continue working with other agencies on practical solutions. The release did not outline specific contingency measures beyond planning, monitoring and coordination at this stage.