Annual Report 2021
The Annual Report 2021 outlines the Ministry’s key achievements over the past year and details progress against long term outcomes and objectives. It includes non-financial performance information and the Ministry’s financial statements.
A copy of the full report is available for download, along with the Vote Education Section 19B report in Relation to Non-Departmental appropriations for the year ended 30 June 2021.
Introduction from the Secretary for Education
Full Annual Report 2021 and Section 19B report
Introduction from the Secretary for Education
2020/21 was an unprecedented year due to the impact of COVID-19. The disease has wreaked havoc all over the world and we are continuing to manage the ongoing impact, particularly with the emergence of the Delta variant.
Our time spent as a nation at Alert Levels 3 and 4 in early 2020 showed how working together we can do things differently and better. This was put to the test again in Auckland during a regional outbreak of COVID-19 and more recently.
Funding received through Budget 2020 and 2021 provided specific support to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 including:
- resources and targeted support for 300,000 learners at risk of dis-engagement and additional teacher aide hours for over 6,000 students with learning support needs
- financial support for continuity of services from early learning to international education
- support for over 4,000 apprentices in 2020/21 through delivery of a trades and apprenticeship package.
We have also progressed and adapted key initiatives to support the Government’s objectives and deliver real benefits for learners:
- developing and consulting on the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum, which will be progressively rolled out in all schools and kura from 2022
- supporting the integration of te reo Māori in schools and early learning centres by providing kaiako | teachers and key support staff with Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori training
- changes to National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1 announced in December 2020 and the development of options for greater specialisation and deeper learning at Levels 2 and 3, and a more foundational learning experience at NCEA Level 1, alongside a shift to Mana ōrite mō te mātauranga Māori (parity for Māori knowledge) in NCEA
- progressing the reform of vocational education with Te Pūkenga, and the establishment of six Workforces Development Councils (WDCs), operational from 4 October 2021, to support learners to graduate with the right skills to address skill shortages
- delivering improved facilities at 747 schools through the School Investment Package
- over 197,000 students receiving a nutritious lunch due to the expansion of the school lunch programme
- distributing 100,000 packs of free period products in schools.
We have also undertaken planning for the redesign of the Ministry in line with the Government’s response to the review of Tomorrow’s Schools. A foundation step for this is the establishment of Te Mahau, a separately branded business unit within Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | the Ministry of Education from 4 October 2021. The focus of Te Mahau will be providing integrated and locally responsive support to early learning and school teachers, leaders and boards, to help them support learners, whānau and their communities to address persistent disparities and advance effective practice.
This change involves shifts in how we work – taking practical action to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, giving priority to regional and local voices, improving our feedback loops and information flows, and delivering more responsive, accessible and integrated services and support.
The Ministry has been managing significant change this year, progressing an ambitious work programme and planning for organisational change, while continuing to address the impact of COVID-19. I want to acknowledge the great work and support Ministry staff have provided throughout the year. I am proud of what has been achieved and optimistic about our ability to create a stronger, more inter-connected organisation that can work with the sector to achieve better results, especially for those who have not been served well by our system.
He waka eke noa.
Iona Holsted
Secretary for Education
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