Move over math flashcards, preparing financially for your tamariki to start kura is important homework for you, before your little one’s first day!
We had a kōrero with Whai Rawa Marketing Manager Josie who shared her lived experience and insights gained, from her first two tamariki embarking on the primary school journey. We discussed the obvious (and not so obvious) costs… Are there any ways to reduce these? And how far in advance should whānau start preparing?
Josie unpacked what to expect, as well as her hot tips for bringing the cost down. Wherever your whānau is on the school prep journey, these are important to consider!
School Uniforms
One of the first things you probably think about! The cost of kākahu (uniform) varies across kura, but you may find yourself setting aside $100 or more for the basic kit from the school including tops, bottoms, jumpers and don’t forget a sunhat! You’ll also need to stock up on the basics – head to your local for socks and underlayers – merino or thermals for winter and tshirts for summer.
Some kura also require a sports uniform or PE gear. It looks smart on the field but is also another cost to keep in mind – give yourself a running start and find out in advance, to avoid being winded by unexpected costs.
Hot Tips
- Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace or even social media groups. Tamariki grow quickly and whānau often post second hand uniforms online at a really good price.
- Get in touch with your kura if you’re having trouble. Some schools are supported by KidsCan and can provide shoes and a winter jacket too.
- Buy quality. It’s more cost effective to buy one pair of shoes per year, than to be replacing a pair each term.
Stationery
Depending on when in the year your tamariki starts, you may or may not be able to jump on the “Back to School Sales” waka. This can be an opportunity to buy many products at a discounted rate. A number of brands may also offer price match on larger items or IT purchases.
Hot Tips
- Shop around, you don’t need to get the whole stationery list at one store
- Have a chat as a whānau, have constructive conversations around the “needs” and “wants” regarding stationery especially when it comes to backpacks or lunchboxes!
- When your tamariki turn 5, you can apply for a Ngāi Tahu School Starter Pack. Each School Starter Pack is made up of an assortment of practical and taonga items to ease financial pressures for whānau. Find out more or apply for a pack by clicking here.
Outside of School Care
Depending on your whānau and mahi situation, this may be an option you need to consider. A number of really supportive before or after school programs are often available, designed to support parents who have commitments making drop off or pickup impossible.
Hot Tips
- Research! As always there may be options that suit your situation better than others.
- Prepare in advance, as you don’t want to end up on a waiting list or with limited options.
- Subsidies may be available for some situations including through Work and Income for Eligible whānau.
Kai
A number of kōhanga or pre-schools offer morning tea and lunch for pēpi and tamariki. When many tamariki graduate to school – this kai becomes an additional cost to many whānau. Some tauira (students) may have access to the lunches in schools programme, or your school might run a breakfast club. Regardless – you’ll want to make sure that your tamariki has access quality kai to fuel them throughout the day.
Hot Tips
- Prepare baking or options in bulk and freeze or refrigerate in advance.
- Research breakfast or dinner ideas that incorporate lunchbox favourite ingredients, again making in bulk and using throughout the week.
- Avoid too many pre-packaged goods as this can add up – buy a big bag of snacks and portion them out with a reusable bag or container.
Extra Activities and Costs
As well as starting their learning journey, there will be a number of new and exciting opportunities within kura including trips, extra-curricular activities, challenges, sports teams and beyond. You’ll want to best support your whānau, while balancing your budget. Football boots, instrument hire fees and finding out about the team uniform which needed paying for yesterday can be stressful.
Hot Tips
- Encourage positive money conversations within your whānau, making sure your tamariki understand the value of their activities – they may want to prioritise their favourite and try the new sport next year.
- Research! Before you say yes, make sure you’re aware of all the costs involved. Some kura also offer equipment hire or have partnerships with associated pākihi (businesses) that may be able to offer a discount.
Most importantly, congratulations! Starting kura is an incredible milestone and should be celebrated. We acknowledge that this does include a number of costs, and encourage you to start your research in advance, to ensure both you and your tamariki are excited for the first day.
The final whaakaro we’ll leave you with, is a reminder that your tamariki will grow, both in knowledge and through quite a few shoe sizes! You may also have a number of tauira (students) in your whānau, and extended whānau – who will all be travelling through the curriculum across different years. You’ll have numerous opportunities to save, shop smart, discover #mumhacks, and share these leanings with the other wahine around you.
He waka eke noa, remember you’re not alone – a number of us share the same challenges. If you haven’t joined our wahine group yet, nau mai haere mai – we warmly invite you to join us, within a likeminded group of wahine just click here to join now!
The information contained in this document is intended for general guidance and information only and is not personalised to you. It does not take into account your particular financial situation or goals.
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