30 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1380 views
The Government is providing support to schools, kura, and families in Northland and Gisborne to minimize disruptions caused by severe weather, including restoring transport services, maintaining school lunch programs, and setting up an Education Hub at Whangaruru School for displaced students. Some schools in Gisborne have postponed start dates or are exploring alternatives like online learning and shared teaching spaces to ensure continued education. The Ministry of Education is actively assessing school damages, offering helplines for concerns, and working closely with schools to provide ongoing assistance and support.
29 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1384 views
The New Zealand Government is establishing two new day specialist schools in Palmerston North and South Auckland by 2027-2028 to support children with high and complex needs, marking the first such development in nearly 50 years. This initiative addresses long-standing demand for specialist education, expanding the total number of specialist schools to 29 and providing families with more tailored learning options. Funded through recent budgets, the schools will feature purpose-built, accessible facilities designed to foster inclusion and help students unlock their potential.
19 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1479 views
The Ministry of Education has launched an updated Parent Portal featuring the refreshed curriculum for Years 0 to 10, enabling parents to clearly understand and support their children's learning at home. The portal will also include curriculum-aligned resources, starting with a free online math practice tool for Years 3 to 8, with additional content coming in January. Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasizes that these updates aim to enhance educational achievement by providing clarity and tools for both teachers and parents.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1439 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the successful renewal of the Area School Principals’ Collective Agreement, which benefits over 140 principals with improved pay and conditions. Key enhancements include a 4.7% pay increase, a $6,000 NCEA Change Implementation Allowance, phased increases to principal payments, and a $5,000 mentor allowance. The settlement reflects a commitment to professional development, student achievement, and productive negotiations supporting rural school leadership.
13 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1490 views
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour welcomes the Overseas Investment Amendment Act, which accelerates overseas investment decisions to 15 working days for most sectors, aiming to boost New Zealand business growth, productivity, and wages. The law simplifies the screening process with a modified national interest test, maintains stricter rules for sensitive assets like farmland and residential land, and allows overseas investors with a New Zealand investor resident visa to purchase high-value homes to encourage investment. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford highlights that attracting international investors brings capital, skills, and connections vital for economic development and growth.
12 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1508 views
The Government has settled a 2012 Human Rights Review Tribunal claim by IHC regarding education policies that disadvantaged disabled students, committing to a Framework for Action to improve support for disabled and neurodiverse learners. This framework includes better data collection, improved specialist services, coordinated education agencies, inclusive curriculum, accessible infrastructure, and investigations into funding and ableism impacts. Significant investments, including $750 million in Budget 25, have been made to increase teacher aide hours, expand early intervention, overhaul funding models, and enhance curriculum and school infrastructure to ensure timely and adequate support for students with additional needs.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1175 views
New Zealand’s new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas has attracted over 13,000 visitors in just one month, boosting the economy and benefiting Kiwi businesses. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the positive impact on regional tourism, especially in Christchurch and Queenstown, with increased bookings and job opportunities. The initiative supports New Zealand’s vital tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to experience the country’s hospitality and attractions, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1261 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the successful renewal of the Secondary Principals’ Collective Agreement, approved by the Secondary Principals’ Association of NZ and the Post Primary Teachers Association. The agreement includes a 4.7% base salary increase, a new $15,000 allowance for leading NCEA changes, and recognition for supporting aspiring principals, benefiting around 330 secondary principals from Term 1 next year. Stanford emphasized the importance of principals in raising student achievement and thanked all parties involved for constructive negotiations aimed at supporting teachers and students.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1039 views
The Government is significantly increasing school maintenance funding for the first time since 2010, raising the Five Year Agreement (5YA) base rate by 50% and doubling the minimum allocation for small schools starting July 2026. This investment aims to ensure classrooms are safe, warm, and dry, allowing schools greater certainty and flexibility to plan essential upgrades and modernizations over the long term. Additionally, a $58 million package has already provided over 2,400 schools with one-off grants to address urgent maintenance needs, receiving positive feedback from school communities.
04 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1624 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford has welcomed the successful conclusion of pay negotiations for nearly 25,000 secondary teachers following a majority vote by the Post Primary Teachers' Association members to accept the settlement. The agreement includes a cumulative pay increase of up to 4.7% by January 2027, increased management allowances, and the introduction of a Principal’s Nominee Allowance. This settlement reflects the government's commitment to investing in education and supporting teachers to deliver high-quality learning for students.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1153 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford has welcomed the successful conclusion of pay negotiations for community education professionals after PPTA members voted to accept the settlement. The Community Education Collective Agreement (CECA) will provide pay increases benefiting over 1,000 community educators who support lifelong learning in areas such as adult education, music, and specialist tutoring. Stanford emphasized the valuable role of community education providers and highlighted the settlement as a positive result of good faith bargaining.
27 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1115 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford welcomed Estonian Education Minister Dr. Kristina Kallas to New Zealand to exchange insights on their high-performing education systems and reforms. They discussed Estonia’s success in achieving strong academic results with equity, particularly in reading, math, and science, and explored Estonia’s AI-Leap programme integrating AI literacy into education. The visit also included meetings with New Zealand education officials and emphasized ongoing collaboration in science, research, and education innovation between the two countries.
25 Nov 2025
11 months ago
977 views
A nationwide 12-week maths acceleration trial for Year 7 and 8 students showed remarkable progress, with participants making one to two years’ growth in fundamental maths skills, while students learning under the new curriculum also achieved an average of one year’s progress. The Government’s Make It Count maths action plan, including structured curriculum, daily maths lessons, and targeted tutoring, is credited for these gains, which were consistent across diverse backgrounds and learning models (in-person, hybrid, online). With $40 million funding, the programme is expanding nationwide in 2026, aiming to raise achievement, close equity gaps, and build student confidence in maths through strong foundations and teacher support.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1172 views
New Zealand has launched the Business Investor Visa to attract experienced investors who will actively contribute to established businesses, supporting economic growth and job creation. The visa offers two investment pathways: $1 million for a three-year work-to-residence option and $2 million for a 12-month fast-track to residence. This initiative aims to sustain local businesses, protect jobs, and bring fresh capital and expertise into the economy as part of broader efforts to boost investment and growth.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1132 views
New research from the Education Review Office shows that banning cell phones in schools has improved student focus, behaviour, achievement, and reduced bullying. Despite these positive outcomes, about a third of senior students still break the rules, mainly to message parents, highlighting the need for parental support and updated school guidelines. The government is considering expanding the ban to include smartwatches and continues to support schools in implementing policies that enhance student learning and wellbeing.