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School Travel Spending Under Scrutiny in New Zealand

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 12:40 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Alexandra, New Zealand - February 14th, 2026 - A recent report from the Auditor-General has sparked a national conversation around school travel budgets, with a specific focus on the balance between vital professional development for teachers and responsible use of taxpayer funds. The report, released last week, highlighted instances of excessive spending on travel and accommodation across several schools, prompting a review of existing Ministry of Education policies.

The controversy flared up locally following questions directed at Geoff Jones, Principal of Dunstan High School in Alexandra, regarding a staff trip to Queenstown. While defending the trip as a necessary investment in staff wellbeing and team cohesion, Jones finds himself at the center of a wider debate about the appropriateness of school-funded excursions during a period of increased financial scrutiny.

The Auditor-General's report didn't name individual schools, but its findings were stark. The report detailed cases of schools paying significantly inflated prices for accommodation - in some instances, multiple times the standard rate - and a general lack of rigorous oversight when approving and reimbursing travel expenses. This lack of accountability raised concerns about whether schools were consistently demonstrating value for money. The emphasis wasn't on eliminating school trips entirely, but rather on ensuring transparent processes and justifiable expenditures.

Jones maintains that the Dunstan High School trip was pre-planned, fully budgeted for, and directly aligned with the school's strategic plan, emphasizing its importance for professional development and cultivating a positive school culture. "It's about the team and the staff's wellbeing and building a cohesive culture," Jones stated. He argues that investing in teachers through these experiences ultimately translates to a better educational experience for students. "We've got to invest in our staff to ensure we are providing the best possible education for our students," he explained.

However, the timing of the report, and subsequent media attention, has undoubtedly put pressure on school leaders to justify such trips. Critics argue that while professional development is undeniably crucial, the cost of destinations like Queenstown - a popular tourist hotspot known for its higher price point - raises questions about whether the same benefits could be achieved at a more affordable location. Alternatives like regional conferences, online training modules, or workshops held at the school itself are being suggested as potentially more cost-effective options.

The Ministry of Education has responded to the Auditor-General's report by announcing a comprehensive review of school travel policies. They are developing new guidance materials for schools, focusing on improved expense management and ensuring alignment between travel expenditure and strategic priorities. A spokesperson for the Ministry stated that the goal is "to ensure spending aligns with the school's strategic priorities and providing value for money for taxpayers." They acknowledge the importance of professional development but stress the need for robust systems to monitor and control costs.

The debate extends beyond mere financial considerations. Some education experts argue that excessive focus on cost-cutting can inadvertently stifle innovation and limit opportunities for teachers to collaborate and share best practices. They advocate for a nuanced approach that prioritizes both fiscal responsibility and investment in the professional growth of educators. The challenge lies in finding the right balance - ensuring that schools are accountable for their spending without compromising the quality of education they provide.

Furthermore, the incident has prompted discussions around transparency in school budgeting. Many parents and taxpayers are calling for greater access to information regarding school travel expenses, arguing that increased transparency would foster greater accountability and public trust. Several online petitions are circulating, demanding that schools publish detailed breakdowns of their travel budgets and justifications for specific trips.

The situation at Dunstan High School, while specific to that institution, serves as a microcosm of a broader national issue. As schools grapple with increasingly tight budgets and heightened public scrutiny, the need for clear, consistent, and transparent policies regarding travel and professional development has never been greater.