It’s been great to be out and about visiting primary schools across the Wairarapa electorate in recent weeks. A particular highlight was attending the launch of the Parent Portal alongside Minister Stanford says, Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick.
The Parent Portal is designed to make it easier for families to understand what’s being taught in reading, writing, and maths—with more subjects to be added over time. It also provides practical, easy-to-use resources to help parents support learning at home.
“At the launch, I caught up with Lakeview School Principal Tim Nelson, I know that he and his team have worked hard to develop great working relationships with families, he believes the portal will be a great resource, says Mike.
“Yesterday, I had the chance to visit Huia Range School in Dannevirke, where I saw structured literacy in action. Students are getting the basics done right – with an hour each of reading, writing, and maths every day. The structured approach ensures children receive consistent, high-quality education in every classroom, no matter where they go to school.
From 2027 all kids will learn about money at school. They’ll be taught how to budget, save, invest, and understand things like loans and insurance – giving them the skills they need to manage money confidently as they grow up.
“Our Government’s cell phone ban is playing a key role in creating a more focused, distraction-free environment in schools. This was particularly evident during my visit to Eketahuna and Pahiatua Primary Schools just before the Easter break - students were positively bubbling over with conversation and curiosity, says Mike.
“It was also a pleasure to speak with teachers during my visits. I truly value their dedication and hard work, and I’m pleased we've removed the cost of registration and practising certificates—making things a little easier for them.”
“The staff and children at Solway School in Masterton shared positive feedback on the new maths workbooks, textbooks, and teaching resources during my recent visit. With over 836,000 workbooks and guidebooks delivered to support teachers and students across New Zealand, these tools are helping ensure children have what they need to succeed.
“A massive thank you to our incredible principals, teachers, and support staff for your hard work – helping to set every Central Hawke’s Bay, Tararua, Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa students up for success.”
Media contact: Brigitte Marulli de Barletta 021 845 614
Notes to the Editor
- Link to the Parent Portal page: https://www.education.govt.nz/news/new-parent-portal-launched.
- Photo attached: Mike Butterick MP for Wairarapa at Silverstream School Parent Portal Announcement, Sunday 4 May 2025.
- Photos from Huia Range, Solway, Eketahuna, Pahiatua and Lakeview schools on request.