16945 (2026). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Education

16945 (2026). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Education: What modelling/forecasting, if any, have government departments conducted on the effect of the government deciding to move to either Phase 2, 3, or 4 of the National Fuel Plan on schools and communities?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am advised that the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) remains in close contact with schools and early learning services to understand immediate support needs and concerns. Information gathered is used to plan ahead so that the Ministry can respond quickly if needed. At all phases, the focus is on keeping schools open for children and young people to attend. Data to date on Term 1 attendance has not identified significant impacts from the decision to move to Phase 1 of the National Fuel Plan. The detailed information about what changes may be in needed in Phases 2, 3 and 4 is being worked on. I am advised that the Ministry is utilising survey information from schools on fuel usage, as well as information from contracted to third parties, information on distance thresholds from where a student lives to their enrolled school, and school transport data to support its planning. This is also my response to written parliamentary questions 16946, 16947, 16953, 16954 and 16955 (2026).