BEVS

I believe it is to do with taxation. Donations can be claimed against. Fees cannot.

rick78

I enjoy healthy discussion and thats what we're getting here is it not?

Granted, maybe wasn't the most appropriate smiley, but I like it

Bo-Jangles

Education here isn't strictly free and there is a LOT of pressure put on parents to pay these donations, as well as hawk chocolate bars and lollies around the neighbourhood or workplace on behalf of their kid's school. There's been a lot of debate in the media on the subject of when is a donation not a donation. There was a huge media hoo-haa a while back with an extreme example being a school pushing for a mother to re-mortgage her home to pay for outstanding donations.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/educ...ur-home-to-pay

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/toll...e=4&pagesize=5

If you're English, they will assume you're a cashed up Pom and can automatically afford the fees regardless.

Divine Comedy

Hi BEVS, just do what you think will work best with the poll . Thanks.

Divine Comedy

Yes , I had forgotten about the % you can claim back , my accountant does that for me.

rick78

That's alright then, we're Welsh

P18PPS

oh dear - welsh, well they call it fees and charge you double then!

simonsi

Setting out to do/pay the minimum is a poor way to settle in the first instance IMHO. I agree 50% of Kiwi's may well not pay the donation but it really depends on the circle you find yourself in when you arrive as to whether that is even relevant.

It will also be relevant to the decile of the school zone you choose, higher deciles mean the likleyhood of being surrounded by donation-payers is high, wouldn't want to ostracise yourself from the outset....personally if you choose a high decile school zone, I'd expect you to pay up.

See Bev's comment about why it is called a donation, leave your comfy UK definition behind and go with what happend here cos that's what is relevant.

Charismatic

Asking for 110% is a bit much even in New Zealand!

Why don't we make a cup of tea and rethink this whole thing from the start .

Browner_

But thats exactly my point!

If the 'charge' is EXPECTED to be paid, its a fee.
If its Voluntary, its tax deductable.

But if the school calls it Voluntary but tries to make it effectively compulsory, that is tax system fraud!

And some people seem to think this is a good thing????

I pay minor 'voluntary donations' if I think its the best thing to do , and if I think the school is being responsible, and if I have the money.
I certainly dont consider that I have to pay them.

simonsi

Quirky, idiosyncratic....welcome to NZ

BEVS

My understanding was that this system has remained in place because the parents prefer it that way. They want this funding peddled as donations so they can claim against tax. They also prefer it because they get a better say in where that money goes.
Still, what do I know. Ducks and cats don't go to school.

There was a good post about this subject a while ago.

ps
I haven't forgotten the poll.

bevissa65

simonsi

The thread or the entire NZ public school funding system

Charismatic

If we’re doing that I’ll make a pot .