[Sitting date: 27 November 2014. Volume:702;Page:9. Text is subject to correction.]

9. PAUL FOSTER-BELL (National) to the Minister of Education : What recent announcements has she made about partnering with sports codes to improve the education of young people and families?

Hon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education): Tēnā koe, Mr Speaker. I was really excited to announce recently a partnership with New Zealand Rugby League, called It’s More Than Just a Game. New Zealand Rugby League has a strong relationship with 40,000 players, their families, and fans across the country, many of them in Māori and Pasifika communities. The Government and New Zealand Rugby League want to see the kids in these families and communities succeed on and off the field.

Paul Foster-Bell : How will this partnership support communities to raise the achievement of their children?

Hon HEKIA PARATA : The Government is investing $250,000 into this initiative this year. New Zealand Rugby League will assist 300 junior players to achieve the National Certificate of Educational Achievement level 2, and expand early learning through formal playgroups in clubrooms across the country. I want to thank New Zealand Rugby League for its leadership, and for seeing and seizing the opportunity to partner with us to do better for our young people and families. I want to acknowledge the particular achievement of the New Zealand Kiwis winning the Four Nations title.

ENDS

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