Educators say Government changes are being introduced at ‘breakneck speed’

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Educators from 34 organisations have issued a blistering open letter to the Government warning that its sweeping curriculum changes are being rushed through with little consultation and risk harming students.

The joint statement criticises what they call “breakneck” reform, saying schools are being overwhelmed by the speed and scale of changes and shut out of meaningful engagement, consultation and co-design.

But Education Minister Erica Stanford is dismissing the criticism, accusing some unions and principals of playing politics.

'I'm here, and I'm not going to be slowed down by a union, and the NZPF, who are, frankly, too worried about their own political left-leaning agendas, than they are student achievement,“ she said.

The groups, representing principals, teachers, subject experts and education academics, say they support curriculum development, but not at the pace the Government is demanding.

“With very little consultation with those who are intimately involved in teaching and learning in schools but even in those in subject associations,” said NZEI President Ripeka Lessells.

Many schools are already grappling with implementing English and maths reforms, and say the latest overhaul is simply too much.

“We know that it needs to be reviewed and refreshed, but the pace that we've been going in the last two years is unsustainable to the profession. For principals to lead it effectively, for teachers to be able to teach it effectively and for our children to learn,” said NZPF President Jason Miles.

The draft curriculum documents themselves are also under fire, with educators calling them unworkable and too narrow.

“When we started to look through the curriculum and the drafts as they are, we felt that they are fundamentally inadequate for our children across New Zealand,” Miles said.

Lessells said the sector wants the process halted until proper engagement occurs.

“We're asking her to halt it because we believe that there are aspects of it that are harmful … and that … need to be considerate of the children, you know, the tamariki that might be harmed as a result of the pace of this curriculum.”

Educators insist they are not opposed to reform, just the way it’s being driven.

“We're not against curriculum development by any means… what we are is the pace of this one and the lack of authentic engagement with anyone intimately involved with teaching learning,” Lessells said.

Miles added: “The problem is that the minister is in a rush. She's in a hurry.”

Stanford hit back saying she is working constructively with many groups in the sector.

But the sector rejects that, saying their focus is students and education.