13 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1249 views
The Government's mandate of structured literacy is positively impacting reading achievement nationwide, according to Education Minister Erica Stanford. All primary schools now teach structured literacy and the new English curriculum, with new entrants undergoing a phonics check after 20 weeks to assess reading progress. Phonics data shows a significant increase in reading success, with improvements seen across the country, leading to a reduction in students needing targeted support and notable advancements in Māori and Pacific student achievement.
07 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1391 views
The latest OECD TALIS 2024 report reveals that a majority of graduate teachers lack confidence in teaching content and pedagogical approaches across all subjects. Education Minister Erica Stanford expresses concern over the insufficient support provided through initial teacher training, emphasizing the need to equip teachers with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in the classroom. The report also highlights teachers' satisfaction with using digital technology, salary improvements, and the increasing proportion of students with learning support needs in schools, with ongoing government investments aimed at supporting teachers and improving education quality.
29 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1268 views
Applications are open for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa in New Zealand, allowing parents of citizens and residents to visit for up to five years, meeting health, financial, and insurance requirements. The visa aims to balance the desires of migrants with parents overseas for longer visits while protecting public services. Additionally, initiatives like smart skilled migrant residency pathways are part of efforts to attract talent, support businesses, and boost the economy.
23 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1394 views
The New Zealand Government is introducing two new skilled migrant residence pathways to help businesses attract and retain the workforce they need. These pathways include the Skilled Work Experience pathway for migrants with at least five years of relevant work experience and the Trades and Technician pathway for migrants with specified qualifications and work experience. The government aims to balance attracting higher-skilled workers with managing migration levels responsibly, prioritizing New Zealanders for jobs, and ensuring that skilled and experienced migrants are placed in occupations where they are most needed.
22 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1431 views
The Government is accelerating $413 million investment in school infrastructure to improve classrooms, boost builders and tradies in New Zealand, and ensure all children have access to safe learning environments. This investment includes $58 million for maintenance work, $255 million for improvements in isolated and rural schools, and $100 million for urgent infrastructure projects over five years. The aim is to support schools, stimulate the economy, and drive efficiencies in school property management to benefit students, teachers, and communities.
19 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1402 views
The new Teacher Bonding Scheme, announced by Minister of Education Hon Erica Stanford, aims to support schools facing recruitment challenges by offering incentives of up to $40,000 over five years for teachers who remain at eligible schools. This initiative will help attract and retain great teachers, ensuring all children receive quality education. The scheme, set to start in October, will replace the existing Voluntary Bonding Scheme and BeTTER Jobs Programme, with a focus on addressing regional and urban recruitment disparities.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1378 views
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford is leading a delegation to the United States to promote New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa, which has attracted over $1 billion in proposed investments since April 1, with US investors showing the most interest. The trip aims to engage with potential investors interested in New Zealand's business opportunities and economic growth, highlighting the country's appeal as a safe and pro-business environment. Minister Stanford will visit New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco for events organized by Invest NZ, emphasizing the importance of attracting investment to support economic development and create opportunities for New Zealanders.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1214 views
Public consultation has concluded on a proposal to replace NCEA, with over 8,200 submissions received, showing significant engagement. Education Minister Erica Stanford appreciates the feedback from various stakeholders and plans to carefully consider the responses to strengthen foundational skills and improve teaching coherence. The aim is to create a credible, consistent qualification that prepares students nationwide for success beyond school.
15 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1321 views
The Government has appointed eight members to a Ministerial Advisory Group to provide advice on the Crown’s response to recommendations from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford emphasizes the Group will offer independent advice on the Crown’s response to abuse in care, drawing on diverse perspectives and expertise. The appointed members bring a range of experiences, such as survivor advocacy, governance leadership, and expertise in trauma and mental health, to facilitate constructive discussions and advice on monitoring, oversight, and implementation of the Crown response.
11 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1537 views
The Government of New Zealand is introducing new senior secondary school subjects to prepare young people for future jobs by offering diverse pathways for tertiary study, trade learning, or immediate employment. These subjects, to be phased in from 2028, emphasize STEM fields and include new specializations such as Earth and Space Science, Statistics and Data Science, and industry-led subjects like primary industry and health services. Additionally, the curriculum will incorporate te reo Māori and generative AI education, with a focus on providing students with clear pathways to success through industry-aligned subjects and resources for schools to support implementation.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1494 views
The Government is investing approximately $300 million to repair and upgrade 33 schools with challenging property conditions, aiming to provide safe and improved learning environments for children. The initial $87 million investment will address urgent needs in seven schools, with construction set to begin within the next 12 months. Efforts include cost-saving measures, such as modular construction and standardized designs, to deliver efficient and quality solutions, with further tranches of funding planned for future projects.
05 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1352 views
Starting from Term 1, 461 schools will benefit from a new Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) staffing entitlement, part of the Government's $192 million Budget 2025 investment to ensure all primary and intermediate schools have access to LSC support over the next three years. LSCs will provide direct support to both staff and students, focusing on neurodiverse students and those with additional learning needs, while also helping schools and families navigate specialist support when necessary. The phased rollout over three years aims to address inequities in LSC access across regions, benefiting close to 300,000 students in 1131 schools by 2028.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1487 views
The Government is proposing changes to the Immigration Act to enhance deportation settings and immigration compliance in New Zealand, aiming to strengthen the integrity and trust in the immigration system. The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill will expand deportation liability for serious criminal offenses, false information provision, and historic crimes, among other measures. Additionally, the Bill will increase penalties for migrant exploitation to combat this crime and improve compliance within the immigration framework.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1412 views
The Government of New Zealand is modernizing visa settings to attract experienced businesspeople through the new Business Investor Visa, aiming to stimulate economic growth and job creation. The visa offers two investment options: a $1 million investment with a three-year work-to-residence pathway and a $2 million investment with a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway. This initiative replaces the Entrepreneur Category, aims to deliver real economic benefits, and is part of a broader refresh of business visa settings to support the country's economy.
19 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1410 views
The Government is launching a Writing Action Plan to improve writing achievement among Kiwi kids. New data from 2024 reveals declining writing performance as students progress through school, with only 24% of Year 8 students meeting curriculum benchmarks. Initiatives like the Writing Acceleration Tool and Handwriting Teacher Guidance aim to address these challenges and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed academically and beyond.