and massive insecurity throughout the education sector". Responsibilities The Ministry's role is to "shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes". It is not an education provider. That role is met by licensed early childhood services, individual elected Boards of state schools, the proprietors of State-integrated schools, registered private schools and tertiary education providers. The Ministry has numerous functions - advising government, providing information to the sector, providing learning resources, administering sector regulation and funding, and providing specialist services. The Ministry works with other education agencies including the Education Review Office, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, the Tertiary Education Commission, Education New Zealand, and the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Although the Ministry's primary purpose is to in ensuring equitable and excellent outcomes, it is also the mechanism through which the Government of the day implements its education policy. When government changes aspects of its policy on education, the Ministry is responsible for implementing those changes. Sometimes the Ministry ends up in the difficult position of trying to implement politically induced changes in education policy to which teachers, parents, and school boards may be opposed. Changes introduced by the National Government in 2008–2012 are an example. In order for the Ministry and the wider education sector to perform its role effectively, it is dependent on taxpayer funding provided by Government. When government increases funding or requires financial cutbacks, this also impacts on the ability of the Ministry to fulfil its role. In 2013, the Government provided about $12.2 billion to fund education in New Zealand. By 2021, the Education budget was some $16.3 billion. Ministers The Ministry serves 1 portfolio, 1 minister, 1 associate minister and 1 parliamentary under-secretary. See also Education in New Zealand History of education in New Zealand References Bibliography External links TeachNZ, a business unit of MoE Te Kete Ipurangi - The Online Learning Centre, an initiative of MoE The Education Gazette, published by MoE Education Education in New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand, Education