Kia ora koutou,
Welcome back for the last term of 2026. I'd like to first acknowledge the work being done across the sector and particularly the encouraging progress that has been made this year in attendance. Recent attendance data shows a continuing upward trend, reflecting the sustained efforts of schools, kura, whānau and communities. Thank you for the many ways you encourage learners to engage in school and in their learning.
As we enter the final months of the school year, I want to thank you for your leadership, professionalism and ongoing focus on learner success – this is deeply valued.
Ngā mihi nui,
Ellen
Important actions | Me mātua mahi#
- Submit an Expression of Interest for Year 9 and 10 Co-requisite Support Package by 22 October.
Co-requisite support – Expressions of interest closing
- Request a review of provisional roll before 13 November
Provisional roll review applications
- Submit Expressions of Interest for Trades Academies (Secondary-Tertiary Programmes) by 11 December.
Need to know | Me mātua mōhio#
Provisional roll review applications#
We published provisional rolls in Pourato on 4 September. Your board has until 13 November to request a review.
Apply for a provisional roll review
Safety checking changes for core children’s workers#
From 24 October, overseas convictions will be included in safety checking considerations for children’s core workers – not just convictions that occurred in New Zealand.
These convictions must be considered by organisations employing or engaging children’s core workers.
Read more here:
Safety checking changes for core children’s workers
Individual employment agreements reminder#
Individual employment agreements (IEAs) that largely mirror the recently settled collective agreements have been promulgated and are available to download here:
If you have not done so already, you should offer these IEAs to non-union members. You can check the IEAs of your staff on your Staffing Usage and Expenditure (SUE) report.
Non-union members cannot access the updated terms and conditions, including increased remuneration, unless they sign a new IEA.
You will also need to notify EdPay of the date that the IEA was signed via the IEA Change screen in EdPay (if available) or EP22 application form.
System monitoring studies#
Each year, a sample of schools is selected to take part in system monitoring studies. As was recently legislated in 618B of the Education and Training Act 2020, if your school is selected, participation is now mandatory.
In 2027, schools may be selected for the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) or the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study.
If your school is selected, we will notify you in advance and support you during your participation. Exemptions are available under specific circumstances.
Find out more here:
School participation in system monitoring studies
Opportunity to establish new Trades Academies#
We have published information for all education providers in New Zealand, outlining an opportunity to establish new Trades Academies (Secondary-Tertiary Programmes) from 2028 or 2029.
This opportunity follows Budget 2026 announcements which included the expansion of the Trades Academy programme by 10,000 new places over the next three years. The expansion will enable improved access to Vocational Education and Training (VET) for secondary school students.
Any school or tertiary provider interested in establishing a new Trades Academy (Secondary-Tertiary Programme) should refer to the webpage below for more information. Expressions of interest response submissions are due 11 December.
Expressions of interest to establish trades academies
Update on new senior secondary qualifications#
We have published an update on the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) and New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE).
These are being developed alongside the refreshed knowledge-rich curriculum.
The first NZCE cohort will be in 2029, followed by the first NZACE cohort in 2030. Together, they will provide clearer information about student achievement and ensure formal/credentialled assessment reflects the knowledge and practices students are expected to learn, from the curriculum.
You can find the update here:
New Senior Secondary Qualifications – Tāhūrangi
Banking staffing and funding code changes#
You should try to achieve a nil banking staffing balance by pay period 22, 2 February 2027.
Use the balancing period (pay periods 23 to 26) to help manage any under- or over-use.
The deadline for submitting any retrospective banking staffing adjustments for the 2026 banking staffing year is 5pm, 27 November.
If you have had teachers on study/sabbatical award codes during the year, make sure they have been coded correctly.
Managing staffing usage (banking staffing)
Apply for a funding code adjustment or a banking staffing credit
Extraordinary roll growth applications#
If your school roll has grown beyond what you are funded for, you may be eligible for extraordinary roll growth funding. Applications are open from 2 to 27 November.
Heads up | He kupu puaki#
Availability to meet Attendance Service provider#
The Attendance Service works with schools to support students who are non-enrolled or experiencing chronic absence. To help ensure timely support, your Attendance Service provider needs to meet with the school's nominated contact to discuss attendance barriers, gather relevant information, and plan engagement with caregivers.
Make sure your nominated contact is available to be contacted and meet with the Attendance Service, in person, virtually, or by phone, within 5 working days of a Non-Enrolment Notification or Chronic Absence support request being submitted. School holidays are counted as working days.
New attendance exemption rules and attendance code updates#
From Term 1, 2027, new attendance exemption rules will provide a clearer and more consistent framework for tumuaki | principals. The changes introduce five defined exemption grounds and evidence requirements based on the length of a student's absence.
Attendance codes will also be updated to align with the new framework and support more consistent recording across schools and kura. Student management systems will be updated to support these changes.
More information
New attendance exemption rules and changes to attendance codes
Until Term 1 2027, continue using current attendance exemption processes, codes and guidance.
Upcoming attendance webinars#
This term we have 2 attendance webinar topics. These webinars are open to staff from schools and kura and board members.
- Supporting attendance for students with anxiety (Years 7 to 13)
- Upcoming changes for Term 1, 2027 (including attendance exemptions and attendance code changes)
You can find out more, register at:
Recordings and transcripts of these webinars will be made available. You can also view recordings and resources from previous webinars here:
Hihira Weteoro and Phonics Checks online tools update#
The Hihira Weteoro and Phonics Checks online tools have been updated and are available here:
Logon – Foundational Progress and Checks
The updates mostly impact school and kura administrators.
- The 'Manage' part of the platform covers all applications.
- Results can be exported from 'Reports' rather than 'Manage'.
- Exemptions are processed in the mokopuna | student profile rather than through 'Manage'.
- The wording of mokopuna exemption options has been updated and applied to previous exemptions processed.
Updated online tool guidance for Phonics Checks is available on Tāhūrangi NZC.
Phonics Checks – Assessment materials
Updated online tool guidance for Hihira Weteoro is available here.
Term 4 ordering windows for New Zealand Curriculum resources and supports#
Note the following ordering windows for resources and supports to implement the updated New Zealand Curriculum (NZC):
- 19 October to 15 December: Order Y9 to 10 digital Maths resources.
- 20 October to 13 November: Order Y0 to 8 Maths Kits (one-time opportunity).
- November (exact date TBC): Order Y0 to 8 Music Kits (one-time opportunity).
Visit the Curriculum Resources page on Tāhūrangi for direct links to each of these resource pages and more information about how to order.
Teaching resources to support the updated NZC – Tāhūrangi
Resources to support implementation of the updated Te Marautanga o Aotearoa#
We’re providing Pāngarau kits to support equitable access across kura with Tau 0 to 8 students. The kits will automatically be sent to all kura using Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (TMoA), including kura kaupapa Māori and Māori-medium settings in Term 1, 2027. Dual medium schools using New Zealand Curriculum need to order Maths kits on Salesforce until 13 November.
He Kete Taonga Pūoro will be available to order in November, and the ordering window dates will be confirmed in a future School Bulletin. This will be a one-time ordering window.
Check Ngā Kōrero o te Wā at the bottom of the Tāhūrangi – TMoA homepage for the latest updates on resources and supports.
Te Marautanga o Aotearoa – Tāhūrangi
New resources to support gifted learners#
As part of the National Programme for Gifted Education, we have launched a new suite of resources that provide greater support and opportunity for gifted learners.
These resources are organised around 14 themes and underpinned by a national definition that sets out what giftedness is and the strengths-based approach that’s needed to effectively support gifted learners.
Each theme focuses on a different aspect of gifted learning. A number of these themes also include specific playbooks – short, practical teaching guides designed for classroom use.
You can find the national definition and the new resources on Tāhūrangi.
Providing for gifted learners – Tāhūrangi
Enhanced reporting rubrics and exemplars#
As schools and kura prepare for end-of-year reporting, enhanced reporting rubrics and exemplars for NZC and TMoA settings are now available on Tāhūrangi.
Developed in response to feedback from schools and kura, the resources provide additional detail to support teachers and kaiako when selecting Progress Descriptors or Tohu Aromatawai and making reporting judgements.
As a reminder, schools and kura are encouraged to use Progress Descriptors in their reporting for 2026. Changes to legislation, which make this a requirement, are not expected to take effect until 1 January 2027.
Reporting to parents and whānau – Tāhūrangi
Reporting to parents and whānau – guidance for kaiako on TMoA – Tāhūrangi
SMART Assessment Window 2#
SMART Assessment Window 2 is open and runs until 13 November. Schools and kura can access assessments in reading, maths, pānui, tuhituhi and pāngarau through SMART.
Updated guidance, webinars and support resources are available on Tāhūrangi to help schools and kura prepare for assessment.
SMART – Overview and access – Tāhūrangi
For guidance, resources and support, visit the SMART page on Tāhūrangi or contact us.
Email: [email protected]
Latest curriculum data snapshots#
The latest Curriculum Data Snapshots covering Term 1, 2026 are available.
These are designed to give schools and kura confidence in using national data to support local planning and professional conversations.
Each snapshot includes actions we are taking in response to your feedback, so you can see the impact of your voice.
From 2027, Curriculum Data Snapshots will move to a twice-yearly publication cycle, with a mid-year snapshot covering Terms 1 and 2, and an end-of-year snapshot covering Terms 3 and 4.
Explore the latest snapshot and previous releases on Tāhūrangi.
Curriculum Data Snapshots – Tāhūrangi
Year 2 Maths Check and He Tirohanga Aronga Tau – Te Tau 2#
The Year 2 Maths Check and He Tirohanga Aronga Tau – Te Tau 2 are available for schools and kura and the supporting resource kits should have been delivered.
The online tools can be accessed on Tāhūrangi.
Foundational Progress and Checks – Tāhūrangi
Year 2 Maths Check – Tāhūrangi
Te Tau – He Tirohanga Aronga Tau – Tāhūrangi
A range of learning modules and interactive online sessions are also available through the Learning Management System.
We welcome feedback from kura and schools as they begin to implement the checks.
If you have any pātai, contact us.
Email: [email protected]
Cohort 3 online writing acceleration tool for Years 6 to 10 applications#
State and state-integrated schools teaching the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) can register their interest to use the online writing acceleration tool, Scribo, in Term 1, 2027. Applications for cohort 3 close on 6 November.
This tool is for Years 6 to 10 students who are not yet meeting curriculum expectations in writing. Teachers or structured literacy approaches (SLA) teachers will use the tool directly with students to scaffold their learning in writing into their current year level, and up to curriculum expectation.
Register your interest by providing an indication of the number of students and teachers likely to access the tool through Salesforce.
Find out more here:
Writing Acceleration Supports – Tāhūrangi
Co-requisite support – Expressions of interest closing#
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 to 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 (EOI) close on 22 October.
Additional information about the EOI process can be found here:
Co-requisite and the refreshed National Curriculum – NCEA Education
Any pātai, email us.
Email: [email protected]
Years | Tau 0 to 10 curriculum online versions soon to be published#
The online versions of the Years | Tau 0 to 10 curriculum will be published in Term 4.
Science, Pūtaiao, Social Sciences, and Pūmanawa Tangata will be the first learning areas and wāhanga ako to be published.
The PDF versions will still be available and content in the online format will be published on the existing website pages.
This new online format offers improved accessibility and navigation and will continue to be updated based on sector feedback. Feedback is welcome.
Email: [email protected]
First group of final Years | Tau 11 to 13 subjects#
The first group of final Years | Tau 11 to 13 subjects was released on 8 October, with more subjects being published by the end of October. Students currently in Year 9 will be the first to learn from the new senior secondary subjects from 2028.
Many subjects are available across both curriculum pathways, giving more students and mokopuna the choice to learn through English or te reo Māori. The updated curriculum provides clearer learning pathways and supports young people to prepare for further study, training, employment, and other future opportunities.
Register your 2027 PLD priorities for your kura#
Registration for Te Marautanga o Aotearoa professional learning and development (PLD) has opened. Kura are encouraged to register their priorities based on their kura PLD plans to receive PLD support for 2027.
Kura can choose whether to be matched with a Lead PLD Facilitator to assist them with their PLD plans. To register PLD, complete the online form here:
Te Marautanga o Aotearoa Professional Learning and Development (PLD) – SurveyMonkey
Share your views on teacher education#
We want your feedback on teacher education in New Zealand.
We are reviewing the requirements for Initial Teacher Education programmes to ensure they remain fit for purpose. These requirements set out how student teachers are prepared for teaching in early learning services and schools.
We encourage early learning service leaders, kaiako and other staff to read the discussion document and share their views. Your feedback will help shape the next stage of the review.
No decisions have been made on the opportunities outlined in the discussion document. Feedback is open until 13 November.
Preventing and responding to self-harm and suicide#
The Preventing and Responding to Suicide: Resource Kit for Schools has been replaced by two new online resources: ‘Postvention: A guide for schools after a suspected suicide’, and ‘Working Together: A guide to support students who self-harm’.
Both resources provide practical guidance for school leaders and teachers responding to self-harm incidents and suspected suicides within their school communities.
The new postvention and self-harm resources are now available here:
Support to schools responding to self-harm and suspected suicide
Emergency closure checklist#
A new checklist can assist you when considering whether your school can remain open in an emergency. It will help you make decisions if your school board needs to close the school because of an emergency such as a fire, flood or epidemic.
Find the checklist on our website.
Emergency management plan template updated#
We have recently updated the school emergency management plan template, adding new content to capture supports in place for:
- students and staff with disabilities and/or additional support needs
- international students.
Prepare for an emergency or traumatic incident
ShakeOut 2026#
A reminder that the nationwide ShakeOut drill is on 21 October at 1.30pm (or at a time that works for your school). This is a great opportunity to test your earthquake and tsunami emergency responses.
New Zealand ShakeOut – Get Ready
Food safety during farm visits#
Schools should not let students consume raw milk during farm visits and ensure supervision is in place.
Most milk sold in New Zealand is pasteurised, meaning it has been heated to kill bacteria that could cause illness or serious health complications.
Raw milk is risky for anyone, but children, young people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Read more here:
Is it safe to drink raw milk and eat raw milk products? – Ministry for Primary Industries
If a student becomes unwell after a farm visit, contact your local Public Health Unit.
All staffing applications#
The deadline for all staffing applications and funding code changes for the 2026 banking staffing year is 5pm, 27 November. This includes beginning teachers, specialist classroom teachers, staffing transfers, and staffing roll increase applications.
Applications should be sent to us.
Email: [email protected]
Key dates for school staffing and funding
Surplus staffing applications#
Your school can apply to us for staffing support if you have a reduction in your staffing of at least one full-time teacher equivalent (1 FTTE) and have met the conditions necessary to receive this support.
Apply for surplus staffing support
Water charges#
From 1 July 2026, several councils have moved the management of water services into separate entities. This change has resulted in some schools receiving invoices from a different entity or being charged separate water rates for the first time.
There is information available on our website regarding what rates schools can and cannot be charged.
Council rates paid by schools and early learning services
Fixed-term agreements#
The Employment Relations Act 2000 requires employers to have genuine reasons based on reasonable grounds for an appointment being fixed term, and must not use fixed-term agreements to test a person’s suitability for a role.
Employers must advise the employees when or how the employment will end and reasons for their employment ending in that way. These reasons must be reviewed every time a fixed-term agreement is offered.
GovHub | Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa have guidance for schools regarding fixed-term agreements on their website.
You can also contact them directly for support.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 782 435
Getting ready for your learning support coordinator#
Schools receiving an in-school learning support coordinator (LSC) allocation for the first time in 2027 are encouraged to begin planning and recruitment activity. The LSC allocation lists have been updated, and entitlements are visible in Pourato.
Information about the LSC role, recruitment, induction, professional learning and development, and supporting resources is available on our website.
These positions are funded from the start of Term 1, 2027. All LSC positions must be recorded using the S13 staffing designation code in EdPay.
Read more information here:
Learning support coordinators in schools
Learning support coordinators: Register now for Term 4 practice area PLD#
Learning support coordinators (LSCs) seeking to build understanding of neurodiversity and trauma informed practice are invited to register now for PLD starting in Term 4:
- Tilting the Seesaw – Autism New Zealand
- Kete into Practice – FASD CAN (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Care Action Network).
It is designed for in school or cluster based LSCs who are supporting learners with complex learning, behavioural or regulatory needs.
Find more information on our website.
Learning support coordinators in schools
LSC Induction and Role Essentials are strongly encouraged but not a pre-requisite:
Changes to school planning and reporting requirements#
Changes have been made to the Education (School Planning and Reporting) Amendment Regulations 2026, which set out what schools focus on and report against. The changes aim to simplify some existing requirements and strengthen how schools plan for improvement, monitor progress, and report on student learning and achievement.
More information about the changes, and updated guidance and resources is available here:
The school planning and reporting framework
Education (School Planning and Reporting) Amendment Regulations 2026 – New Zealand Legislation
Changes to school hostel regulations approved#
Cabinet has approved amendments to the Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005, which strengthen the safety and wellbeing of boarders living in school hostels.
The updated regulations will make sure all hostels meet clear minimum safety standards.
These support the Government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care and included feedback from hostel operators and other stakeholders from engagements in 2025 and 2026.
Read more here:
Changes to the Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005
School board elections#
For schools that have opted into a staggered election cycle the midterm election date is 31 March 2027.
School boards should be working on succession planning and promoting the elections within their community for the remainder of 2026.
Returning officers must be appointed by 27 January 2027, but in practice this means schools should appoint their returning officer by the end of Term 4, 2026. Once appointed, schools should register their elections with GovHub, who are also available to provide support.
