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What you need to know
- New Zealand is at phase 1 of the Fuel Response Plan.
- Schools and early learning services will keep operating as usual.
- We are monitoring the situation and planning ahead so we can respond quickly if we need to.
- We are creating a framework that outlines what the education system will look like at each phase of the response.
What is happening with fuel supply#
Following recent events in the Middle East, the fuel market around the world is under pressure. At the moment, fuel costs are higher than usual, but New Zealand has a stable supply and stock of fuel.
The Government has created a plan if things get worse.
See New Zealand’s Fuel Response Plan on the Beehive website:
New Zealand’s Fuel Response Plan 2026 [PDF, 205KB] – Beehive.govt.nz
Learn more about our fuel stocks and the Middle East conflict:
Middle East conflict and New Zealand's fuel stocks – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
What this means for education#
New Zealand is in phase 1 of the Fuel Response Plan. This means schools and early learning services will keep operating as usual.
There is no change to:
- children and young people attending school or early learning services
- staff teaching on site
- using transport to get to and from schools or early learning services.
What we’re doing#
We are actively monitoring and planning so we can respond quickly if there is a change in phase. This includes working closely with schools and early learning services to make sure we are prepared for any disruption.
We are also working with programme providers to make sure key supports, such as school lunches, do not stop.
At all phases, we want to make sure schools and early learning services can stay open for children and young people to attend.
Schools and early learning services can expect plenty of warning if there are any changes.
Information for schools and kura#
At phase 1, there are no changes for schools and kura regarding:
- budgets and funding
- staffing
- making operational decisions.
You will continue to operate as normal. Any programmes you run and support services you have in place will also continue to operate as normal. There is no expectation that education outside the classroom (EOTC) activities will be cancelled or reduced at phase 1.
Keep up to date with changes in the School Leaders Bulletin.
Information for early learning services#
At phase 1, there are no changes for early learning services regarding:
- funding (including funding absence rules)
- policies
- regulations.
You will continue to operate as normal.
Keep up to date with changes in the Early Learning Bulletin.
Education framework#
We are creating a framework for education that lets you know what to do if we change phases. It outlines what we will do to support schools and kura and early learning services at each phase.
We will share this with you soon.
What to expect if the situation changes#
If New Zealand moves to phase 2, fuel will still be available, but we will start to see some disruption.
At this phase, schools and early learning services will still continue to operate as normal. You do not need to prepare for hybrid learning.
Your regional office will work with you in response to your specific needs, if there are any.
