Auckland school forced to cancel school camp as families unable to afford it
Papatoetoe Intermediate School in Auckland has cancelled its school camp due to rising costs that many families cannot afford. The principal noted that inflation has significantly increased expenses for transport and staffing, making the experience inaccessible for many students.
Why it matters
The situation illustrates the tangible impact of the cost-of-living crisis on educational opportunities and social equity for low-income families.
Papatoetoe Intermediate School has been forced to cancel its school camp this year because so few families could afford it.
Despite attempts to keep the price down, only 160 out of 750 students confirmed they could go.
As inflation hits its highest level in two years, at 4.1 percent, the cost of fuel, electricity, rates and groceries all continue to go up.
Checkpoint is also aware of another school that been fundraising so no student was left behind.
Papatoetoe Intermediate School principal, Pauline Cornwell told Checkpoint it was clear the economic situation was having a major impact on the community.
"We provide camp every two years, so the last time we went to camp, it was around $240, and this year, it's over $350."
She said that parents simply could not afford the fee, and there was no way the school had enough to cover the gap.
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