New privacy guidance#

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has published new guidance on protecting children’s and young people’s personal information. Topics include the rights of children and young people, education technology, and health and learning support information.

The use of digital technologies is one key area explored, including the use of online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and parent communication tools. There is also a checklist providing a list of questions to ask when undertaking due diligence on these digital tools. Other areas covered are managing information requests, keeping learner information safe, unique identifiers, and managing privacy incidents.

Special topic chapters focus on the relevant areas of the Privacy Act and the applicable privacy principles, including how these can be applied across the lifecycle of information, from collection through to deletion.

We recommend you read the guidance to help protect children's personal information.

Children's Privacy Project – Office of the Privacy Commissioner

Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) catalogue launched#

ST4S provides independent privacy and security assessments of digital products to assist schools when selecting and using these tools. The ST4S catalogue is now available to all NZ schools – it’s a fast and easy way to access, filter and search ST4S information.

You can now see assessed products, as well as those that aren’t participating or have withdrawn from the assessment process. All educational staff involved in selecting and using digital products should consider using the catalogue.

Staff at state and state-integrated schools can log into the ST4S catalogue using their Education Sector Logon (ESL).

More information on ST4S and the catalogue is on our website:

Choosing safer technologies for schools and kura

TELA: General market update for hardware#

Manufacturers of desktops, laptops, and servers are experiencing ongoing shortages of key components, including CPUs, memory, and hard drives. This is largely driven by global demand from AI datacentres, alongside Windows 10 refresh cycles and large-scale replacement of devices that were purchased during covid.

Lead times are increasing as manufacturers prioritise AI server components. For example, Micron Technology – one of 3 major global RAM manufacturers – has announced it will cease production of desktop and laptop RAM by late February 2026 to focus on datacentre supply, leaving Samsung and SK Hynix as the primary remaining suppliers.

What this means#

These constraints have led to hardware price increases of approximately 10 to 30% in 2026, with shorter price validity periods for quotes and reduced availability in the AoG IT Hardware catalogue. Custom device configurations are also taking longer to deliver.

These market conditions are expected to continue through 2027.

What you can do#

Engage early with your IT hardware provider to discuss your school’s needs and be open to alternative specifications or brands. Leasing options may also be available. However, ensure any leasing arrangements comply with guidelines outlined on our website.

Day-to-day financial management

Google licensing changes#

Google is moving away from separate staff and student licences. From February this year, there was a move to only 1 licence type which covers both staff and students.

Transition to a single license type – Google Workspace for Education

What to do#

If your school is renewing in the next 3 months, you or your IT provider will need to re-assign the staff licences from the now combined Education Plus license pool. Only the staff licence is impacted as this licence is being changed over to the new licence type.
There will be another update in the second half of the year.

Note: This licensing also unlocks the recent AI abilities in Vids, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms and soon Gmail, as well as the increased abilities in read along in Google Classroom.

Microsoft licensing changes#

Microsoft has renamed its Microsoft 365 A5 Security suite to the Microsoft Defender Suite. 

This change is a branding update – features and licensing remain the same.

What you need to know#

In the tenant, you will now see Microsoft Defender Suite instead of the previous A5 Security naming.

• If you have changed from Microsoft M365 unified to Microsoft Defender Suite for Education, you will need to assign these licenses.
• If you were on Microsoft M365 Security, no action is required other than being aware of the new name when managing assignments.