Family First NZ says that the government must clarify to parents whether school fees are compulsory or not.

"The mixed messages and confusion under the previous Labour government has continued with the National government," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ. "This has confused parents and resulted in some parents paying the fees and others refusing. In the end, the whole school community is penalised by the uncertainty and the subsequent shortfall."

"Although labeled as 'voluntary', many parents think that school fees are compulsory and need to be paid to keep the school functioning effectively - especially higher decile schools."

"The government needs to clarify this issue before the start of this school year - either education is free or it's not."

The PPTA say that 36 percent of school funding comes from sources outside of Government operations grants and these are generally from local sources such as parents.

"Schools deserve to know where they stand on this issue, and the expectations of parents should be made clear," says Mr McCoskrie.