Erica's News

MP for East Coast Bays

28 Jul 2026Erica Stanford

Simpler, clearer, more effective RSE scheme

The Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, making it simpler and clearer to use while maintaining protections for workers and opportunities for New

22 Jul 2026Erica Stanford

Calmer, quieter classrooms - as walls go up

Nearly 200 schools have begun the process of replacing open-plan classrooms with enclosed learning spaces to create quieter, calmer spaces more suited for learning, Education Minister

3 Jul 2026Erica Stanford

Curriculum release dates confirmed for Years 0-10

The updated National Curriculum for Years 0–10 will be released by 9 September 2026, following consultation with the education sector and the public, Education Minister Erica

2 Jul 2026Erica Stanford

Nationwide roll-out of oral language programme to ECEs

The Government is funding a major expansion of the New Zealand-developed ENRICH programme to help young children build the language skills they need, Education Minister Erica

25 Jun 2026Erica Stanford · Louise Upston

$215 million boost from new travel option

Travellers arriving on a new, simpler travel option for eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors have already brought $215 million into New Zealand’s economy in only six

24 Jun 2026Erica Stanford

New awards celebrate excellence and delivering real results for students

Teachers, principals and schools across New Zealand are being celebrated in the first inaugural Education Excellence Awards, Education Minister Erica Stanford hosted today. The inaugural New

17 Jun 2026Erica Stanford

220,000 students take the SMART test

More than 1300 schools and 220,000 students have used the Student Monitoring Assessment and Reporting Tool (SMART) since it was introduced in February, Education Minister Erica

11 Jun 2026Erica Stanford

Nearly 1400 classrooms fully funded in two and a half years

Education Minister Erica Stanford announced a $160 million investment to deliver new classrooms that will support growing communities across Auckland and the upper North Island. “This

8 Jun 2026Erica Stanford

Ensuring safer drinking water in schools

The Government is investing $30m through the Drinking Water in Schools Programme to ensure more rural and remote schools can upgrade their drinking water, Minister of

5 Jun 2026Erica Stanford

Budget 26: $62.5 million for more classrooms in South Island Schools

Students and communities across the South Island will benefit from a $62.5 million investment package to build more classrooms and upgrade others, Minister of Education Erica

3 Jun 2026Nicola Willis · Erica Stanford

More trades academy places for young people

More young New Zealanders will have the opportunity to gain practical skills and industry experience while still at school, with the Government doubling the number of

28 May 2026Erica Stanford

More resources to combat migrant exploitation

Budget 2026 funds more frontline teams to respond to migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance As part of Budget 2026, the Government is investing $18 million over

28 May 2026Erica Stanford

Investing in secondary achievement

Budget 2026 invests around $2.1 billion to continue building the foundations of a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for success, Education Minister Erica

27 May 2026Erica Stanford

Government listens to feedback on homeschool regulations

The Government has listened to feedback from the homeschool sector and has agreed to pause work on regulation changes, says Education Minster Erica Stanford. “The Ministry

25 May 2026Erica Stanford

AIP Visa Growth Category expands to philanthropy

Investor migrants using the Active Investor Plus Growth category will soon be able to include a philanthropic component as part of their overall investment in New

25 May 2026Erica Stanford

English language requirement extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles

Minimum English language requirements under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are being extended to skill level 3 roles, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. From 1

18 May 2026Erica Stanford

Proposed amendments to Education System Reform Bill to be considered

The Government is continuing to strengthen New Zealand’s education system, with several amendments to the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill set to be considered

16 May 2026Erica Stanford

Details of NCEA replacement confirmed

New Zealand’s new senior secondary qualifications will provide clearer, more credible recognition of student achievement, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “We want young people leaving school