Important Actions | Me Mātua Mahia#

• Expressions of Interest for Years 9 and 10 Co-requisite Support Package from 8 September.

Co-requisite support – Expressions of Interest

• Provide the Education Review Office feedback on the Attendance Action Plan, via surveys, by 25 September.

Have your say: ERO’s Attendance Action Plan survey

Need-To-Know | Me Mātua Mōhio#

Rangoli powder products recalled#

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has issued a recall for the rangoli powder products listed below. These products are used for crafts and various celebrations, including Diwali.

Laboratory testing has detected asbestos in some samples.

If you have any of these products stop using them immediately, store them securely, and dispose of them safely.

The recalled products are:

Recalled Rangoli products – Product Safety New Zealand

For information on managing recalled rangoli products, asbestos record-keeping requirements, and step-by-step guidance for schools and early learning services, visit:

Step-by-step guidance for schools and early learning services

Medical certificates during influenza season#

Given the current winter influenza season and the additional pressure on primary care and health services, exercise discretion when considering requests for medical certificates for students who are absent. Schools are encouraged to take a reasonable, case-by-case approach rather than routinely requiring medical certificates.

During the current influenza season, students who are unwell should be encouraged to stay home until they are well enough to return to school. This supports their recovery and helps reduce the spread of illness to other students and staff.

How to decide if a child is well enough to be at school or early learning

Have Your Say: ERO’s Attendance Action Plan survey#

ERO's evaluation centre, Te Ihuwaka, is evaluating how the Attendance Action Plan (AAP) is being implemented in schools and Attendance Services.

ERO is seeking feedback from leaders, teachers, and board members about schools' Attendance Management Plans (AMPs), the use of attendance data, and experiences working with Attendance Services. Feedback will help ERO understand what is working well, the barriers schools face, and where improvements may be needed.

Provide feedback via these surveys:

• Leaders (for example principals, deputy/assistant principals, or other leaders involved in your school’s AMP): Attendance 2026 – Leader survey – Survey Monkey
• Teachers: Attendance 2026 – Teacher survey – Survey Monkey
• Board members: Attendance 2026 – Survey Monkey

We really appreciate you sharing your experiences.

Heads-Up | He Kupu Puaki#

Reminder: Referring to attendance services#

Refer students who are chronically absent and whose attendance has not improved through school-based interventions to your attendance service provider. Guidance on referral criteria, how to request support, provider details, and portal resources is available here:

Attendance services

You can also find a map showing which provider looks after your catchment here:

Attendance Service Catchments 2026 – Google My Maps

Multi-agency forums for attendance#

In June 2025, Cabinet agreed to strengthen the multi-agency approach to improving school attendance. Six pilot forums were trialled during Terms 1 and 2 this year, bringing agencies together to address student and whanau barriers impacting attendance.

Lessons from these pilots are now helping shape the national approach, with further engagements and updates planned from Term 4 as work progresses towards a national rollout in 2027.

Co-requisite support – Expressions of Interest#

In Term 1, 2027, Ministry-funded PLD and targeted small-group supports are proposed for schools and kura where additional support is needed to accelerate literacy, te reo matatini, numeracy or pāngarau achievement for Year 9 and 10 learners.

Schools and kura can indicate their preference from a range of support options to meet the needs of their teachers and students, helping to build foundations for success in the NCEA Co-requisite and new Foundational Award.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) open on 8 September.

Any pātai, email us or find additional information about the EOI process on the NCEA website.

Email: [email protected]

Co-requisite and the NZC – NCEA Education

Additional funding for Structured Literacy Approaches and Rangaranga Reo-ā-Tā resources#

We are supporting schools and kura to implement Structured Literacy Approaches (SLA) and Rangaranga Reo-ā-Tā effectively by providing a contribution towards purchasing resources.

State and state-integrated schools and kura with students in Years 0 to 3 will receive a minimum of $500, with additional funding on top of this based on Year 0 to 3 roll numbers as of 1 July.

The contribution will be distributed alongside the 1 October (Quarter 4) operational grant.

Funding will continue to be allocated annually, adjusted according to the 1 July roll return, until Quarter 4 2027.

For more information, visit the Tāhūrangi website.

Funding for SLA resources – Tāhūrangi 

Order 2027 Year 0 to 8 Ministry-funded Maths resources< #

Reminder: The second ordering window for 2027 Year 0 to 8 Ministry-funded Maths resources is open until 18 September. This is the final ordering window of 2026 for delivery before Term 1 2027.

More information about suppliers and ordering resources is available on Tāhūrangi.

Ordering for 2027 is now open until Friday 18 September – Tāhūrangi

Year 2 Maths and Pāngarau Check coming in Term 4#

The Year 2 Maths Check | He Tirohanga Aronga Tau – Te Tau 2 will be available for schools and kura from Term 4 2026.

The check builds on existing initiatives such as the Phonics Check and Hihira Weteoro. It is designed to support teachers and kaiako understanding of how learners and mokopuna are progressing in maths or pāngarau by the end of Year | Tau 2.

Schools and kura will receive Resource Kits | Kete Rauemi before the start of Term 4.

Guidance and implementation supports are available on Tāhūrangi for the Maths Checks and He Tirohanga Aronga Tau.

Year 2 Maths Check – Tāhūrangi

Tau 2 He Tirohanga Aronga Tau – Tāhūrangi

This includes a range of learning modules and interactive online sessions which are available through the LMS.

Login – Learning Management System

New non-fiction decodable series coming soon#

We’re releasing a new non-fiction decodable series to support students in Years 4 to 8 who need additional help with decoding.

These resources respond to sector feedback for practical, classroom-ready supports.

The series provides a natural progression from Ready to Read, offering structured support alongside age-appropriate, engaging content. They are intended for targeted classroom use, alongside other resources such as Junior Journal.

Fact Finders and Fact Explorers – Tāhūrangi

He kohinga kete (learning kit) for Pūtaiao available now#

He kohinga kete for Pūtaiao (Tau 9 to 10) is now available.

This resource provides practical, curriculum-aligned teaching and learning materials and is available on Tāhūrangi here:

Wāhanga Ako Learning Kits – Tāhūrangi

He kohinga kete for the remaining wāhanga ako (Tau 9 to 10) are expected to be released in Term 4 to help kura implement the full updated curriculum.

Te Reo Rangatira Wānanga or express interest for in-kura PLD support#

Two Te Reo Rangatira PLD support options are available for Tau 9 and 10 kaiako.

Register for a two-day Te Reo Rangatira workshop in Auckland on 17 and 18 September.

The workshop is designed to help kaiako navigate Te Reo Rangatira wāhanga ako and plan reo Māori teaching and learning programmes.

Kaiako can also express interest for Te Reo Rangatira in-kura PLD support for Term 4 here:

News – Professional Learning and Development

Extension of Education Outside the Classroom programmes providers#

To support schools and kura as they focus on the updated National Curriculum and design effective teaching and learning programmes, we are offering a 12-month extension to existing Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC, formerly ELC) programmes contracts, through to 31 December 2027.

This decision will help provide continuity for schools, kura and providers for the 2027 school year. The EOTC Programmes will be redesigned next year, to align with the updated National Curriculum. The redesigned programme will take effect in 2028.

We will provide more information about the redesigned programme and procurement process as planning progresses, and this will be updated on Tāhūrangi.

Education Outside the Classroom Programme – Tāhūrangi

Expression of Interest: Te Marautanga o Aotearoa PLD#

Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga is planning a coordinated programme of PLD to support implementation of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

We invite kura to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to help us understand which wāhanga ako and support areas are of greatest interest to kaiako and leaders. Your feedback will help inform PLD priorities, delivery schedules, facilitator availability, and resource allocation, ensuring support is targeted to the needs of kura and kaiako.

Submitting an EOI does not commit your kura to participate but will help shape future PLD opportunities across the sector.

Submit your EOI:

Expression of Interest (EOI): TMoA PLD – Survey Monkey

Targeted Structured Literacy Approaches PLD#

Enrolments for Cohort 7 targeted teaching Structured Literacy Approaches (SLA) Years 0 to 6 and Cohort 3 targeted SLA with a focus on writing Years 7 to 10 PLD close on 2 October.

For targeted teaching SLA (Y0 to 6) PLD, any literacy teacher who holds the SLA staffing resource role can enrol in cohort 7.

For targeted SLA and writing (Y7 to 10) PLD, one literacy teacher of Year 7 to 10 from all eligible schools may enrol in cohort 3.

Find more details on the PLD website.

SLA PLD for targeted teaching to support staffing entitlement teachers – Professional learning and development/a>

Targeted SLA with a focus on Writing Year 7–10 PLD – Professional learning and development

Tapasā PLD Support#

Limited places are now available for Tapasā PLD support for eligible early services, schools and kura. Tapasā PLD supports educators to develop culturally sustaining teaching practices that affirm and celebrate Pacific identities, languages and cultures.

When Pacific learners see themselves reflected in teaching and learning, engagement and attendance increase. These outcomes support accelerated learner progress and improved achievement.

More details can be found on the PLD website.

Tapasā PLD – Professional learning and development

Any pātai, email us.

Email: [email protected]

Te Poipoi Kaiako Mentor Support Programme webinars#

Registrations are open for Te Poipoi Kaiako Mentor Support Programme webinars.

‘Strengthening communication practices for mentors and Pou Tautoko’ will be held on 21 October at 3:30pm and 22 October at 7pm. Register here:

Webinar #11 – Strengthening communication practices for mentors and Pou Tautoko – Humanitix

‘Effective practice in our Aotearoa context’ will be held on 16 November at 7pm and 17 November at 3:30pm. Register here:

Webinar #12 – Effective practice in our Aotearoa context – Humanitix

Preparing for El Niño 2026#

El Niño is a natural climate pattern that influences New Zealand's weather. Forecasts indicate the 2026 El Niño may be stronger than many previous events, increasing the likelihood of more extreme weather events and impacts.

While impacts will vary across the country, now is a good time to review your plans, understand the risks relevant to your area, and take practical steps to help keep your children, students, staff and community safe.

We have information to help you prepare for possible disruption through spring and into summer.

Prepare for an emergency or traumatic incident

ShakeOut 2026#

New Zealand ShakeOut is our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi (evacuation walk).

Your school can join the nationwide drill on 21 October at 1:30pm or choose another time that works for you.

Signing up is free. NEMA will send you resources to help you run your ShakeOut drill, and participating schools and services will go into the draw to win emergency preparedness prizes.

Sign up for New Zealand ShakeOut – Get Ready

Update on online ORS and SHHNF applications#

Online applications for the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) and the School High Health Needs Fund (SHHNF) will be available from 14 September. This is a change from the 31 August date previously advised.

If you regularly support learners by completing these applications, you’ll find the latest information, including how to access and use the online forms on the website.

Request Learning Support – Applications and Online Systems

2027 LSC allocations now in Pourato#

Schools can now see their 2027 Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) staffing entitlement in Pourato.

LSC staffing entitlements are calculated annually based on a school's July roll return. If you’ve had a roll change, there may be a small change between the originally published allocation (based on 2025 data) and what’s now showing in Pourato.

If you’re starting to think about recruiting for 2027, information about the allocation and LSC role, including the skills matrix and interview questions, can be found here:

Learning support coordinators in schools

Q4 estimated pay equity and collective agreement funding – 1 October #

On 1 October, state and state-integrated schools and kura will receive the next instalment of estimated funding for non-teaching pay equity settlements and collective agreements.

Payment will be made via Pourato under the payment type ‘Non-teach support PE and CA funding.’

A letter outlining your Q4 estimated funding will be available on the Secure Data Portal (SDP) on 24 September.

Download and save a copy of your funding letter as it will only be available on the SDP for 6 months.

You can find further information on our website:

Pay equity and collective agreement settlement funding

If you have any questions, email us.

Email: [email protected]

School property update – NZSPA will commence on 1 October#

On 1 October, New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) will be established as a Crown entity, to manage, plan, build, maintain and administer the education property portfolio.

There are no immediate changes for schools or school boards and existing school property plans or projects are not affected.

We are emailing information to help schools get ready for when NZSPA launches.

You should continue to work with the school property team or their local property advisor for day-to-day property support.

Find more information here:

New Zealand School Property Agency

Standardising property projects#

We have recently released new guidance to support schools and kura as& we're standardising how we plan, design and deliver school and kura property projects.

Standardisation means we can deliver better quality school buildings faster, cheaper and more consistently – and we’ll continue to partner with schools to work out the best type of standard building for their site and where it should go, so it fits in with their existing buildings, future plans and any special features.

You can read more at:

Standardising school property

Private School Subsidy Funding Circular 2027#

The Private School Subsidy Funding Circular is now available here:

Education Circular 2026/13

Trades academy programme expansion#

Your Secondary Tertiary Programme (STP) roll for 2027 has been allocated based on each STP Lead Provider’s 2027 Programme Plan, your March 2026 STP participation and Ministry roll decisions on the level of expansion for each programme.

STP students are not included in the regular roll which is used to determine schools’ staffing entitlement and regular operational grants.

For more information go here:

Trades academies funding

You can contact us for support and guidance.

Email: [email protected]

To apply for a provisional roll review, refer to our website for how to apply before 13 November 2026.

Apply for a provisional roll review

Educating young people about driver licensing changes#

Changes to the driver licensing system could soon start to affect young people who are preparing to get licensed to drive.

Changes take place on 25 January and include the following if you’re under 25:

• extending the learner licence period from 6 to 12 months unless an approved course is completed or supervised driving hours are logged
• reducing the restricted licence period from 18 to 12 months, if you have a clean driving record
• the removal of the second practical driving test to get a full licence.

Changes to getting a car licence – NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Kia Manawaroa and Matavai Pacific education e-newsletters#

New issues of Kia Manawaroa and Matavai have been published:

Kia Manawaroa Issue 18: August 2026 – Mailchimp

Matavai Issue 16: August 2026 – Mailchimp

For feedback or story ideas, email:

Kia Manawaroa: [email protected]

Matavai: [email protected]

Issue 8 of Education Gazette 2026#

In issue 8 we’re celebrating ākonga who are stepping up to support each other at school, and in the community.

Read the Education Gazette in digital magazine format or download and print it.

Education Gazette 105.8 – Issuu

Subscribe for free

Education Gazette | Tukutuku Kōrero is now online only.

Sign up to our newsletter.

Education Gazette signup – Mailchimp

Keep an eye out for issue 9 being released during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, as we focus on culturally responsive classrooms across Aotearoa.