Budget 2026: Students To Get More And Better Access To Musical Instruments

04 Jun 2026, 11:58 by New Zealand Government · SCOOP

Hon Erica Stanford
Minister of Education

Boomwackers, ukeleles, and recorders are all part of a plan to bring the joy of playing musical instruments into classrooms, as part of a Budget 2026 investment in music, Ministry of Education Erica Stanford announced today.

For the first time musical instruments in schools will be funded from a central pool of money, making it easier to schools to provide students with instruments supporting teachers to deliver the new music curriculum, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced in Budget 2026.

The $5.6 million package of funding to provide musical instruments to state schools and kura with students in Years 0–8.

“This investment will ensure more students will have the opportunity to learn and experience music, no matter where they go to school or kura,” Ms Stanford says.

“Students not having access to musical instruments has been a long-standing barrier and we are determined to remove it.

“This package is designed to give students the opportunity to create, enjoy and fall in love with music.

“I know firsthand, from my time learning recorder at school, that the opportunity to learn music can enrich people’s lives and will stay with them for a lifetime. A child learning an instrument today, might be a Silver Scroll or Grammy winning musician in the future.”

“The refreshed curriculum requires access to instruments. This investment ensures schools and kura can confidently deliver high-quality music education without needing to fund or source instruments themselves,” Minister Stanford says.

Ordering will open in Term 4 2026, with the delivery of music kits expected from Term 2 2027, well in advance of the new curriculum in 2029.

“This is about equity and opportunity—ensuring more learners can participate in music education and benefit from the creativity and learning it builds,” Minister Erica Stanford says.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading