27th April 2026
A joint statement by educators nationwide calls on the Government to halt its planned curriculum reforms.
The statement to the Minister of Education, first issued on 24 March following a hui led by the New Zealand Principals’ Federation and NZEI Te Riu Roa, has now gained wider backing from educators, peak bodies and subject associations.
Education leaders argue the proposed curriculum overhaul is being implemented at an unrealistic pace and with limited sector input.
They say the direction of the reforms, combined with what they describe as inadequate engagement with practitioners, risks undermining classroom delivery and student outcomes.
“As they stand, the current draft curriculum documents and framework are not fit for purpose and do not meet the Ministry of Education’s own stated standards,” the educators said in the statement.
In the joint statement, educators said the current draft curriculum documents do not meet expected standards and are not fit for purpose.
They also raised concerns that the changes do not adequately reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi and suggested the reforms have been shaped by narrow ideological interests, a claim the Government has not publicly responded to in detail within the statement.
“The sector has not been adequately resourced, nor has it been given enough time, to consider or implement the expected change,” the educators added.
NZPF President Jason Miles said significant curriculum change should be developed collaboratively with those who will be responsible for implementing it in schools. He criticised the pace of rollout and urged the Minister to engage more closely with sector feedback.
“We’re continually frustrated by the Education Minister’s misplaced enthusiasm while the sector is reeling,” Miles said. “It’s now time for the Minister to do her part by listening to and acting on our shared concerns.”
NZEI Te Riu Roa President Ripeka Lessels said educators are being expected to deliver a major curriculum shift too quickly and without adequate support. She warned this approach risks leaving both teachers and students struggling to adapt.
“Educators are being told to implement a total curriculum overhaul at a breakneck pace and with minimal support, which is a recipe for failure,” Lessels said.
“If the Minister truly cares about improving the educational outcomes for our tamariki, she will pause these changes and bring the profession into the room to design a curriculum that actually works.”
