A Northland school has delayed spending money on digital technology and is instead diverting its funds to a successful Maori teaching programme.
Kerikeri High School is using its own money to pay for Te Kotahitanga, which supports teachers to improve Maori students' learning and achievement.
It credits the scheme for closing the achievement gaps between Maori and European pupils.
Principal Elizabeth Forgie said ministry funding for Te Kotahitanga ceased in 2010 but teachers were keeping it going, and that meant she had had to be savvy with her budgeting.
Ms Forgie said the school attracted international fee-paying students, who provided an income. Without them it would be hard to keep funding Te Kotahitanga.
A Government spokesperson said Te Kotahitanga was absorbed by another programme, called Building on Success.
