What we’ve delivered
Invested $2.1 billion in education in 2026 Budget
to Teach the Basics Brilliantly
An hour of reading, writing, and maths - every day
to set kids up for success
Banned cell-phone use in schools
so children can learn without distractions
A clear and consistent curriculum
with a core subject refresh and a back-to-basics emphasis on literacy, explicit phonics, and foundational math skills, aiming to lift overall student achievement.
Mandated teaching of phonics and a progress check at 20 and 40 weeks,
with 58% of new entrants now at or above reading expectations, up from 36%.
A nationwide rollout of a new maths teaching approach
which shows students make double their progress in just 12 weeks.
Nationally consistent assessment and reporting in primary and intermediate schools,
with twice-yearly progress check-ins providing clear reports to parents on where their child is succeeding and where they may need additional support.
Making sure it's easy for parents to check their child’s progress,
by developing an online tool that lets parents see what their child is learning in every subject, every year to better track progress and help at home.
The walls go up on open-plan classrooms
with internal walls being installed in more than 600 classrooms to create calmer, less disruptive learning spaces.
Replacing NCEA
with new senior secondary qualifications (NZCE and NZACE) from 2028 that is clear, rigorous and widely understood by parents, students and employers.
Mandated teaching kids about money
because financial literacy is important to getting ahead.
More students are attending school regularly,
with attendance at 64% in Term 2 2026, up from 59% in Term 1 2023.
Substantially increased teacher aid hours, building to over 2 million by 2028
to give teachers the support they need and help every child reach their potential.
Launched a Teacher Bonding Scheme
giving teachers at eligible schools up to $40,000 over five years if they stay at the school.
Building more classrooms, better
by cutting the cost of new classrooms by almost half, we have delivered nearly 1,400 fully funded classrooms over the past two and a half years.
Doubling the number of Trades Training Academy places to 20,000
to help more young people access training opportunities and gain skills that will set them on successful and rewarding career pathways.
