In this issue#

We first want to acknowledge the whānau who have lost loved ones, and the school communities who are coming together to grieve ākonga and kaimahi, following the devastating events in the Bay of Plenty. We also think of those who were affected by the flooding in Northland. Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.

In these early weeks of the school year, many tumuaki and kaimahi are busy meeting new ākonga, or welcoming existing students back. Names are learned, routines and values explained, reminded and established. A lot of work goes into those early days of building belonging in the classroom.

This issue looks at examples of what belonging in learning looks like for different kura. At Raglan Area School, a creative inquiry based on poetry and art resulted in a published book ākonga are proud of, and strengthened belonging among peers.

In Te Tauihu, Rapaura School drew its whole community in to revisit its core values, vision and logo to create long-lasting belonging for ākonga.

In Tāmaki Makaurau, Sutton Park School’s successful bilingual education units foster belonging through language and culture, contributing to student success and attendance.

And for three Wairarapa schools that competed in the international Tournament of Minds competition, purposely building team belonging through shared strength and enthusiasm proved crucial to their success, and their pride.

A sense of belonging at school can shape futures. Winner of the Prime Minister’s Space Prize, Southland Girls’ High School student Sophie, talks of the support and opportunities provided by her teachers that helped her achieve success.

In Franklin, the founder of a grassroots science initiative for rural schools reflects on a biology teacher who set her on her path.

We hope you enjoy these stories of inspiring mahi, and look forward to sharing more throughout this year. 

Read the digital magazine#

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

Education Gazette | Tukutuku Kōrero Issue 1 2026 – Issuu

Read individual articles#

You can also read and enjoy individual articles on the Education Gazette website.

• Bilingual education builds belonging for ākonga at Sutton Park School
• Sylvia Park School’s inquiry curriculum fosters kaitiakitanga and connection to place
• Strengthening values to strengthen belonging at Rapaura School
• Mind over matter: Wairarapa schools dominate Tournament of Minds
• Creativity and belonging through poetry and art in Raglan
• Nurturing a love for science: Southland teen wins PM Space Prize
• Little Labs fuels science learning in rural primary schools
• Challenges and change push limits and growth at Outward Bound
• A mother’s story: Education expert brings refugees’ stories of resilience and hope to the world.

Publishing dates for 2026#

See the 2026 Education Gazette publishing dates.

Publishing dates and deadlines – Education Gazette

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Education Gazette | Tukutuku Kōrero is an online-only publication. To never miss an issue and keep up to date with the latest inspirational stories, sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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