Changes to safety checking for core children’s workers#

Overseas convictions will soon be included in safety checking for core children’s workers to reduce the risk of harm to children. More offences are also being added to the list of offences which need to be considered. This is an amendment to Schedule 2 of the Children’s Act.

Children’s Act 2014 – New Zealand Legislation

Organisations employing or engaging core children’s workers are responsible for taking reasonable steps to meet the new requirements.

See more information and guidance.

Safety checking for education core children’s workers
 

Changes to reporting to parents and whānau | families#

Changes are underway to the legislation that governs reporting to parents and whānau in Years 0 to 10. 

New Zealand Curriculum: Reporting to parents and whānau – Tāhūrangi

Reporting to parents and whānau: guidance for kaiako on TMoA – Tāhūrangi

Te Rito – a secure data exchange technology for schools#

Schools that connect their student management system (SMS) to Te Rito before the end of Term 4 will have the records of current students follow them. They can then be used for Te Rito-enabled services from Term 1. 

Te Rito

Connection instructions – Te Rito

Have your say on teacher education in New Zealand#

We are seeking feedback on whether the current Initial Teacher Education Programme Requirements remain fit for purpose and support the preparation of beginning teachers. Share your views through an online survey or written submission by 13 November 2026.

Have your say: review of Initial Teacher Education Programme Requirements

Mentor an aspiring and beginning principal#

The 2027 intake of aspiring principal programme is currently being assessed. The programme is planned to start in February 2027. 

Mentors for beginning principals are required year-round. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a mentor and register for the programme on the Education Workforce website.

Mentor an aspiring or beginning principal – Education Workforce

National Curriculum update#

The fully updated National Curriculum for Years 0 to 10 is now available on Tāhūrangi for schools and kura to start using.

Years 0 to 10 update information – Tāhūrangi

The updated Years 11 to 13 curriculum will be published later this year and implemented progressively from 2028 to 2030, giving schools time to prepare and plan for change. 

Teaching resources to support the updated New Zealand Curriculum – Tāhūrangi

Teaching resources to support the updated Te Marautanga o Aotearoa – Tāhūrangi

In-school learning support coordinators#

The 2027 in-school learning support coordinator (LSC) staffing entitlements have been confirmed and are visible in Pourato.

Information and resources are available for principals getting their in-school allocation for the first time.

Learning support coordinators in schools

New Zealand School Property Agency established on 1 October#

On 1 October 2026, the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) was established as a Crown entity, to manage, plan, build, maintain and administer the education property portfolio. 

Existing projects, programmes and support arrangements will continue, and schools should continue to work with their usual property contacts for day-to-day property support. 

New Zealand School Property Agency