How badly family's incomes have been hit by Covid-19 will be a critical factor for schools deciding whether to be in or out of the government's school donation scheme next year.
Boards of trustees must make the decision during the next month and principals say they will consider their community's ability and willingness to pay donations.
The government's deal gives schools in deciles one through seven, $150 per student if they stop asking for donations for anything other than school camps.
RNZ education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.