A statement from educators representing 34 organisations criticising curriculum changes has been reported across national news outlets this week.
In a joint statement concluding a hui in March organised by the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF) and education union NZEI Te Riu Roa, educators expressed concern that the direction of the changes, including the structure and content for Te Màtaiaho | The New Zealand Curriculum and Te Matauranga o Aotearoa, fails to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
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They criticised the lack of engagement, consultation, and co-design in developing these sweeping changes, saying they have been “driven by the narrow ideological interests of a small group.”
“The pace of curriculum change is unreasonable, has layered multiple demands on schools and kura, and has created huge workloads on the sector,” the statement said. “This will have significant negative impacts, including impacting on the recruitment and retention of teachers.”
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The educators state that the curriculum framework and six draft curriculum documents are not fit for purpose, fail to meet the Ministry’s own standards, and represent a profound, unworkable narrowing of curriculum scope.
NZPF President Jason Miles said the sheer breadth of organisations signing the joint statement highlights the unprecedented level of concern across the education sector.
“When principals, teachers, subject experts, and academics all stand together to issue a warning like this, the Government must stop and listen.”
“We are the professionals who have to make this work in the classroom, and the sector is united in saying this rushed approach is unworkable.”
Proposals as significant as these curriculum reforms need to be made thoughtfully, not urgently, and must involve the professionals implementing them, Mr Miles said.
“We’re continually frustrated by the Education Minister’s misplaced enthusiasm while the sector is reeling. Despite the extremely limited timeframe to review the curriculum packages, we have coordinated feedback from sector leaders to accurately represent the views and needs of principals and tumuaki across New Zealand.
“It’s now time for the Minister to do her part by listening to and acting on our shared concerns.”
NZEI Te Riu Roa President Ripeka Lessels encouraged educators, parents, and school boards to make their voices heard through submissions to the Ministry before consultation closes on 24 April.
“Educators are being told to implement a total curriculum overhaul at a breakneck pace and with minimal support, which is a recipe for failure,” Mrs Lessels said.
“If the Minister truly cares about improving the educational outcomes for our tamariki, she will pause these changes and bring the profession into the room to design a curriculum that actually works.
“If we do not act now, we risk letting a narrow ideology rewrite the future of our tamariki. I urge every educator and school community to make a submission and demand a curriculum that is workable, evidence-based, and honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Mrs Lessels said.
Attending the hui were teachers, academics, and representatives from 34 education organisations, such as peak bodies, unions, principals’ associations, and subject associations.
