Budget 2026: $5.6m for musical instruments in schools

For the first time musical instruments will be funded to schools from a central pool of money, Ministry of Education Erica Stanford announced today.

The $5.6 million package, part of Budget 2026, will help provide musical instruments to state schools and kura in years 0–8.

The new investment makes it easier for schools to provide students with instruments and supports teachers to deliver the new music curriculum.

Boomwackers, ukeleles, and recorders are the instruments that will be included.

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

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

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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,” Stanford said.