Education Minister Hekia Parata has rejected criticism from the Labour Party that the Government is not spending enough on education.
Labour says Ministry of Education figures show voluntary donations to schools went up by 30% between 2008 and 2010.
But Ms Parata says the National Party has increased education spending every year it has been in government and is spending $9.6 billion this year.
"However, schools then do decide if they want to be able to provide other supplemental activities or resources, in which case that is a matter between their board and their school community."
Ms Parata says no school should make a child's participation in activities such as school camps dependent on donations being paid.
