Curriculum Leads (Wellbeing)

Curriculum Leads are based in the regions and provide frontline support to early learning settings, schools, kaupapa Māori and Māori medium.

Curriculum Leads contribute to the whole system learning and growing together. Their job is to help kaiako and teachers make sense of national curricula so that they can design great learning experiences in their local curriculum or marau ā-kura.

A culturally sustaining and inclusive local curriculum or marau ā-kura supports the identities, languages and cultures of every ākonga and learner.  For Māori ākonga and their whānau, this means a focus on Mana Ōrite mo te mātauranga Māori, recognising and valuing the equal status of Māori knowledge in education.

The result means that ākonga and learners experience national curricula in a way that is relevant to them, their whānau and the community that they live in, fostering their wellbeing.

Our Curriculum Leads are ready to connect with kaiako and teachers.

How to connect with a Curriculum Lead

You can ask to connect with a Curriculum Lead through your local Ministry of Education office.

Local Ministry of Education offices

Background: Wellbeing and education

Te Whāriki, Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo, Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, and The New Zealand Curriculum all support the development of positive, resilient, confident and connected children and young people. 

National and international research shows that when children and young people have a strong sense of wellbeing they can engage meaningfully in learning. Educators tell us that ākonga and learners who feel safe and confident in themselves and in their learning environments, engage more and achieve better outcomes in education, work and life.

TKI – Seven principles of learning(external link)

How is wellbeing connected to the curriculum?

A well-designed curriculum improves engagement in learning and fosters wellbeing for children and young people.

This means ākonga and learners:

  • have a sense of purpose and belonging
  • understand who they are
  • know who they are connected to
  • know how they can participate and contribute in a way that is meaningful to them
  • know their kaiako or teacher can see them progress in their learning.

Overview of the roles

Curriculum Leads contribute to giving effect to Te Mahau within Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga in four key areas:

Taking practical action to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi

Taking practical action to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi by building partnerships with kaiako and teachers to practically support the design of engaging and responsive local curriculum learning which embraces and reflects the diverse cultures, identities, and languages of ākonga and learners and their whānau through the national learning priorities, and their contribution to fostering wellbeing.

Giving priority to regional and local voice

Giving priority to regional and local voice by growing collaborative networks within communities, and actively sharing and discussing the use of curriculum resources, supports and services alongside sharing examples of good, local practice. Regionally based, they introduce curriculum initiatives to colleagues in regional teams and support settings to work with whānau, hapū and iwi to implement these. 

Delivering greater responsiveness, accessibility and integrated services and support

Delivering greater responsiveness, accessibility and integrated services and support by providing frontline, regional, and national support for the design and implementation of curriculum resources, supports and services. This is underpinned by an in-depth understanding of the National Curriculum and the connection between wellbeing, te reo matatini me te pāngarau, literacy & communication and maths learning outcomes.

Improving feedback loops and information flows

Improving feedback loops and information flows by participating in developing and embedding feedback loops with and across the sector, regional teams, and the national team. This contributes to the design and implementation of curriculum resources, supports and services to ensure they are Te Tiriti honouring, inclusive, clear, and easy to use. This strengthens connections across Te Mahau and provides coherence for the education sector.  

Curriculum Lead experience

Each Curriculum Leads has:

  • extensive knowledge and experience in teaching and learning, curriculum and assessment theory and practice, with an ability to support professional change within their area of expertise (early learning, primary, secondary or kaupapa Māori and Māori medium)
  • experiential knowledge and competencies in supporting curriculum design that has  improved learning outcomes and fostered wellbeing for diverse communities
  • strong diplomacy, interpersonal and facilitation skills, with an ability to adapt to different interaction styles and contexts
  • proven experience of supporting education settings to build and maintain educationally powerful, reciprocal and trusting relationships with Māori whānau, hapū and iwi, Pacific, and other communities 
  • curriculum Leads working in kaupapa Māori and Māori medium settings have strong knowledge of te reo, te ao Māori, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori.

Further information

Why have Curriculum Leads been appointed?

We have been told that early learning settings, schools and ngā kura would like more support to weave a focus on fostering wellbeing through their local curriculum and marau ā-kura.

Curriculum Leads have been appointed to make sure kaiako and teachers have access to hands-on support for designing and delivering quality curriculum, teaching and learning experiences which foster the wellbeing of ākonga and learners.

Why is there a focus on wellbeing?

New Zealanders identified wellbeing as a priority in the Kōrero Mātauranga | Education Conversation and COVID-19 has further highlighted the importance of supporting kaiako and teachers to design and provide engaging experiences that foster wellbeing.

Kōrero Mātauranga | Education Conversation(external link)

More information

We are currently recruiting Curriculum Leads across the country. For more information visit the Ministry Careers page, click here Careers Centre(external link).   

Last reviewed: Has this been useful? Give us your feedback