Parliament bill

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill

Royal assent · Introduced by Hon Erica Stanford · National Party

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July 30, 2026 11:01
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What this bill does

The bill passed its third reading 67–55; the vote was not unanimous. According to the Minister, some schools need earlier support, while education regulation, teacher oversight, and school-property management need clearer responsibilities. The bill aims to create more coherent and accountable education-system arrangements that support student achievement and attendance. The bill restructures education administration: it creates the New Zealand School Property Agency to manage education property, moves early childhood, private-school, and hostel regulation to a Director of Regulation within the Education Review Office, and redistributes some Teaching Council functions to the Secretary for Education.

AI-assisted summary based on the bill text and linked Hansard debates.

Latest voting result

June 23, 2026
Third reading: Passed Party vote

Ayes 67 · Noes 55

  • National Party Aye · 48 votes
  • ACT Party Aye · 11 votes
  • NZ First Party Aye · 8 votes
  • Labour Party No · 34 votes
  • Green Party No · 15 votes
  • Te Pāti Māori No · 4 votes
  • Ferris, Tākuta No
  • Kapa-Kingi, Mariameno No

View the vote in Hansard

Arguments raised in Parliament

AI-assisted summary of the linked Hansard debates. Each point is grounded in the cited transcript.

Arguments for

The Government argues that consolidating early-childhood, hostel, and private-school regulation in the Education Review Office will reduce duplicated work and improve regulatory efficiency.

The Government argues that the New Zealand School Property Agency will use value-for-money investment to give schools warm, safe, dry, functional classrooms and enable more property work.

The Government argues that rolling curriculum reviews will give schools predictable updates and avoid the disruption of periodically replacing the entire curriculum.

The Government argues that strengthened Teaching Council governance and statutory purpose will make the regulator safeguard students through teacher registration, competence, and conduct oversight.

Arguments against

Nuance and qualifications

After feedback, the Government removed the proposed home-schooling requirements from this bill and said it would develop any future changes through a fuller process.

Bill text

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill

Version published May 27, 2026 00:00.

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Act 2025 . 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on 6 July 2026 . However,— aaa the following provisions (which relate to the Director of Regulation) come into force on 1 September 2026 a single date set by Order in Council : i sections 5A to 5E : ii sections 47 to 50 : iii section 52(1) , but only for the purpose of giving effect to subparts 4 and 4A of Part 10 of Schedule 1 of the Education and Training Act 2020: iv section 55 : v section 61 , but only for the purpose of giving effect to the item in Part 2 of Schedule 2 relating to the Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005 (other than the item referred to in subsection (2)(c)(vi) ); and a the following provisions (which relate to the New Zealand School Property Agency) come into force on a single date set by Order in Council: i section 4 : ii sections 12 to 14 : iii section 31 : iv section 42 : v section 44 : vi section 51 : via section 52(1) , but only for the purpose of giving effect to subpart 5 of Part 10 of Schedule 1 of the Education and Training…
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Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Act 2025 . 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on 6 July 2026 . However,— aaa the following provisions (which relate to the Director of Regulation) come into force on 1 September 2026 a single date set by Order in Council : i sections 5A to 5E : ii sections 47 to 50 : iii section 52(1) , but only for the purpose of giving effect to subparts 4 and 4A of Part 10 of Schedule 1 of the Education and Training Act 2020: iv section 55 : v section 61 , but only for the purpose of giving effect to the item in Part 2 of Schedule 2 relating to the Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005 (other than the item referred to in subsection (2)(c)(vi) ); and a the following provisions (which relate to the New Zealand School Property Agency) come into force on a single date set by Order in Council: i section 4 : ii sections 12 to 14 : iii section 31 : iv section 42 : v section 44 : vi section 51 : via section 52(1) , but only for the purpose of giving effect to subpart 5 of Part 10 of Schedule 1 of the Education and Training Act 2020: vii sections 57 to 60 : viii section 62 ; and b sections 6 to 8 (which relate to exemptions from attendance) come into force on 1 January 2027 ; and c the following provisions come into force on 1 July 2027 : i section 5F (which relates to long-term exemptions from enrolment): ii sections 11AAA and 11AAB (which relate to limits on use of physical restraint in licensed hostels): vi section 61 , but only for the purpose of giving effect to the item in Part 2 of Schedule 2 relating to the revocation of the definitions of licensed hostel and owner in the Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005. If the provisions referred to in subsection (2)(a) subsection (2)(aaa) or (2)(a) have not come into force by 1  October November 2026 , they come into force then. An Order in Council made under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements). 3 Principal Act This Act amends the Education and Training Act 2020. 4 Section 9 amended (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) After section 9(2)(g), insert: gaa section 517F(1)(h) , which provides that the New Zealand School Property Agency must support the Crown in its responsibility to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi; and 5 Section 10 amended (Interpretation) In section 10(1), insert in their appropriate alphabetical order: central government education agency means— a a school board as defined in section 7(1)(d) of the Crown Entities Act 2004; and b an agency that has functions in relation to education or infrastructure, and that is either of the following: i a Crown agent as defined in section 10(1) of the Crown Entities Act 2004: ii a public service agency as defined in section 5 of the Public Service Act 2020 conversion date , in relation to a converted school, means the date on which a State school becomes a charter school converted school means a former State school that has become a charter school in accordance with an approval granted to a sponsor under section 212I education property means land, buildings, or associated infrastructure that is— a occupied or used by a board for the operation of a State school or purposes incidental to that operation; or b owned by, or leased to, the Crown for— i the operation of an early childhood education and care centre or purposes incidental to that operation; or ii other education purposes (for example, property leased to a sponsor under section 212R); but c does not include land, buildings, or associated infrastructure primarily used for the operation of a tertiary education organisation forecast financial statements has the meaning given in section 2(1) of the Public Finance Act 1989 generally accepted accounting practice has the meaning given in section 8 of the Financial Reporting Act 2013 Government policy statement or GPS means the Government policy statement issued under section 517T licensed hostel means a hostel that has been granted or renewed a licence that has not expired or been suspended or cancelled multi-school contract means a charter school contract that allows a sponsor to operate 2 or more charter schools New Zealand School Property Agency or NZSPA means the entity established by section 517B owner , in relation to a hostel, means the person who is lawfully entitled to occupy, and is operating a hostel at, the hostel’s premises regulated entity , for the purposes of subpart 5A of Part 5 , means— a a State school board; and b a proprietor occupying education property; and c a sponsor occupying education property regulatory officer means a person designated under section 621C relevant person , for the purposes of subpart 5A of Part 5 , means an occupier of education property or person in charge of that property responsible person , in relation to a licensed hostel, means a person directly involved in, and primarily responsible for, the boarders’ day-to-day care, comfort, health, and safety school property portfolio means land, buildings, or associated infrastructure that is— a occupied or used by a board for the operation of a State school or purposes incidental to that operation; and b owned by, or leased to, the Crown for education purposes (for example, property leased to a sponsor under section 212R); but c does not include land, buildings, or associated infrastructure primarily used for the operation of an early childhood education and care centre or tertiary education organisation specified kura board , for the purposes of subpart 4A of Part 6 , means the board of any of the following: a a Kura Kaupapa Māori: b a designated character school with a character that is hapū- or iwi-based, or that affiliates with Ngā Kura ā Iwi o Aotearoa: c a State integrated school with a special character that is hapū- or iwi-based system monitoring study means a study notified by the Minister under section 618A teacher education programme means a training programme recognised by the Teaching Council as suitable for people who want to teach In section 10(1), replace the definition of Director of Regulation or Director with: Director of Regulation or Director means the person appointed under section 621A In section 10(1), definition of employment-based trainee teacher , replace an initial with a . In section 10(1), repeal the definition of initial teacher education programme . 5A Section 27A repealed (Director of Regulation) Repeal section 27A. 5B Section 27B amended (Functions of Director of Regulation) In the heading to section 27B, replace Functions with Early childhood education functions . Repeal section 27B(k). 5C Section 27C amended (Performance and exercise of Director’s functions, duties, and powers) In the heading to section 27C, replace functions with early childhood education functions . In section 27C(1), after powers , insert in relation to this Part . In section 27C(3), replace Secretary with chief executive of the Education Review Office . 5D Section 27D amended (Principles guiding performance and exercise of Director’s functions, duties, and powers) In the heading to section 27D, replace functions with early childhood education functions . In section 27D, after power , insert in relation to this Part . 5E Section 27E repealed (Delegation of Director’s functions, duties, and powers) Repeal section 27E. 5F Section 38 amended (Long-term exemptions from enrolment) After section 38(4), insert: 4A If an exemption certificate is granted under subsection (1), the parent must also meet any requirements prescribed in regulations made under section 640A . In section 38(5)(c), after subsection (1) , insert or not satisfied that the parent has complied with subsection (4A) . 6 Section 44 repealed (Exemption from attendance because of walking distance to school or some other reason) Repeal section 44. 7 Section 45 replaced (Exemption of student from attendance for period of no more than 5 days) Replace section 45 with: 45 Exemption of student from attendance 1 Despite section 36, the principal of a State school may exempt a student from attending the school in accordance with rules made by the Secretary under section 46 . 2 In the absence of evidence to the contrary, a certificate from the principal stating that a student was absent from school for any period is sufficient proof that the student was absent for that period without being exempted under subsection (1) . 3 For the purposes of this section, judicial notice must be taken of the appointment and signature of the principal. 8 Section 46 replaced (Secretary may require enrolment of certain children at distance school) Replace section 46 with: 46 Rules about exemptions from attendance 1 The Secretary may make rules (which must be consistent with this Act) specifying requirements that must be met for a principal to exempt a student from attendance under section 45 , including (without limitation) rules— a setting out the grounds on which a principal may grant an exemption from attendance; and b specifying the type of evidence a principal must receive before granting an exemption; and c specifying the duration of an exemption that a principal may grant. 2 Rules under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements). 9 Section 90 amended (Curriculum statements and national performance measures) In the heading to section 90, replace Curriculum with National curriculum . Replace section 90(1) with: 1 The Minister may make the following: a national curriculum statements , which are statements of— i what students are to be taught and are expected to learn during the years of schooling; and ii how the curriculum is to be taught and learnt (for example, through assessment or aromatawai); and iii expectations and priorities for the curriculum, including for the design of teaching and learning programmes under section 164: b national performance measures , which are targets against which the performance of boards can be measured. After section 90(2)(b), insert: c differ according to the classification or designation of a school, the group or year level of students attending a school, or any combination of those classifications, designations, groups, and levels. Replace section 90(3)(a) to (c) with: a national curriculum statements: b national performance measures. 10 New sections 90A to 90C inserted After section 90, insert: 90A Review of national curriculum statements by Secretary 1 The Secretary must, on an ongoing basis,— a plan for a rolling cycle of reviews of learning areas, subjects, and wāhanga ako referred to in a national curriculum statement made under section 90; and b conduct those reviews. 2 The Secretary must ensure that a plan under subsection (1) provides for a review of each learning area, subject, and wāhanga ako in a national curriculum statement at least once every 5 years. 3 In conducting a review, the Secretary must have regard to— a information about the educational achievement of students in the reviewed learning areas, subjects, and wāhanga ako; and b relevant evidence, for example, from new developments in educational research; and c international practice relating to the setting of curricula. 4 As soon as practicable after conducting a review under subsection (1) or section 90C(2) , the Secretary must prepare for the Minister a written report that includes— a the findings of the review; and b the Secretary’s recommendations for any amendments that should be made to the national curriculum statement. 90B Amendment of national curriculum statements by Minister 1 The Minister may amend a national curriculum statement made under section 90 after having regard to— a the Secretary’s report under section 90A(4) (if any); and b information about the educational achievement of students in the reviewed learning areas, subjects, and wāhanga ako; and c relevant evidence, for example, from new developments in educational research; and d international practice relating to the setting of curricula. 1A However, the Minister may amend a national curriculum statement without having regard to the matters set out in subsection (1)(a) to (d) if the changes are minor or technical. 1B The Ministry must give public notice of any amendments made under this section. 2 The Minister may exercise the power in subsection (1) whether or not the Secretary has reviewed the national curriculum statement, or reported on it under section 90A . 90C Minister may direct Secretary to review national curriculum statement 1 Despite section 90A , the Minister may direct the Secretary to review 1 or more learning areas, subjects, or wāhanga ako in a national curriculum statement. 2 The Secretary must commence the review as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving the direction. 11 Section 91 replaced (Board of State school must consult about delivery of health curriculum) Replace section 91 with: 91 Board of State school must inform school community about delivery of health curriculum 1 The board of a State school must inform the school community— a about the content of the health curriculum and how it will be delivered; and b that a parent of a student enrolled at the school may ask the principal in writing under section 51 to ensure that the student is released from tuition in specified parts of the health curriculum related to sexuality education. 2 The board must carry out the duty in subsection (1) on a regular basis, but at least once every 3 years or whenever the health curriculum is changed, whichever occurs sooner. 3 In this section, school community means,— a for a State integrated school, the parents of students enrolled at the school, and the school’s proprietors: b for any other State school, the parents of students enrolled at the school: c in every case, any other person who the board considers is part of the school community for the purposes of this section. 11AAA Section 99 amended (Limits on use of physical restraint at registered schools) In the heading to section 99, after registered schools , insert and licensed hostels . In section 99(1), after school , insert or licensed hostel . In section 99(4), replace the definition of authorised staff member with: authorised staff member ,— a in relation to a registered school, means an employee who is trained and authorised by the employer to use physical restraint in accordance with this section: b in relation to a licensed hostel, means an employee who is trained and authorised by the owner to use physical restraint in accordance with this section 11AAB Section 100 amended (Rules on use of physical restraint at registered schools) In the heading to section 100, after registered schools , insert and licensed hostels . In section 100(1),— a after employers, , insert owners, ; and b after persons holding a teaching position, , insert responsible persons, ; and c after registered schools , insert or licensed hostels . After section 100(3)(c), insert: d owners or representatives of licensed hostels. 11A Section 127 amended (Paramount objective of boards in governing schools) In section 127(2)(b), replace foundation curriculum policy statement with national curriculum statement . Replace section 127(2)(f)(i) with: i any national curriculum statement; and 12 Section 161 amended (Occupancy of property and buildings) In section 161(1) and (7)(c), replace Secretary with Board of the NZSPA . After section 161(1), insert: 1A Before specifying any terms and conditions under this section, the Board of the NZSPA must consult the Secretary. 13 Section 162 amended (Leases and licences granted by boards) In section 162(1), (2), and (3), replace Secretary with Board of the NZSPA . 14 Section 163 amended (Other agreements to occupy school land or buildings) In section 163(4), replace Secretary with Board of the NZSPA . 15 Section 164 amended (Teaching and learning programmes) In section 164(a), delete foundation curriculum policy statements and . 16 Section 165 amended (Monitoring of and reporting on student performance) In section 165(2)(a), delete foundation curriculum policy statements and . 17 New sections 170A to 170C and cross-heading inserted After section 170, insert: State schools of serious concern 170A Notification by Chief Review Officer 1 This section applies if the Chief Review Officer forms a view, following the performance of 1 or more of their functions under section 463, that a State school may be of serious concern. 2 The Chief Review Officer must notify the Secretary and the Minister of their view within 2 working days after forming that view. 170B Report by Chief Review Officer 1 The Chief Review Officer must give the Secretary and the Minister a written report— a stating whether the school notified under section 170A is of serious concern to the Chief Review Officer; and b recommending 1 or more interventions under section 171 that may address the matter (if the report states that the school is of serious concern to the Chief Review Officer). 2 The report must be given within 28 working days after the Secretary and the Minister receive the notification under section 170A . 170C Report by Secretary 1 This section applies if the Secretary receives a report under section 170B stating that a school is of serious concern to the Chief Review Officer. 2 The Secretary must give the Chief Review Officer and the Minister a written report that sets out— a what action (if any) the Secretary has taken in relation to the school; or b what action the Secretary intends to take in relation to the school, and the time frame for that action; or c what action the Secretary recommends that the Minister take in relation to the school, with reasons for the recommendation. 3 The report must be given within 30 working days after the Secretary receives the report under section 170B . 18 Section 171 amended (Interventions in State schools by Secretary or Minister) After section 171(3), insert: 3A In considering whether reasonable grounds are established under subsection (2) or (3), the Minister or the Secretary may rely on and take into account information in a report given under section 170B . 3B Subsection (3A) does not limit the information that the Minister or the Secretary can rely on or take into account for the purposes of subsection (2) or (3). 19 Section 190 amended (Minister may establish State schools) After section 190(2), insert: 2A Despite subsection (2), the Minister must establish a State school if required to do so under section 212ZEB . 20 Section 212I amended (Authorisation Board may approve sponsor) In section 212I(1), replace a charter school with 1 or more charter schools . After section 212I(5), insert: Additional criteria for multi-school contracts 6 In the case of a sponsor proposing to enter into a multi-school contract, the Authorisation Board must also take into account the following matters: a the overall operating model of the schools the sponsor proposes to operate, including how the sponsor intends to allocate resources between them: b if applicable, how each school that the sponsor is currently operating is performing. Amendment of approval 7 The Authorisation Board may, with the agreement of the sponsor, amend an existing approval to— a add 1 or more charter schools; or b remove 1 or more charter schools. 21 Section 212L amended (Charter school contracts) In section 212L(1), replace a charter school with 1 or more charter schools . After section 212L(5), insert: 5A In the case of a multi-school contract, the contract must set out the matters referred to in the following provisions in relation to each school covered by the contract: a subsection (5)(a): b subsection (5)(d) and (e): c subsection (5)(g): d subsection (5)(h) to (j): e if applicable, subsection (6). 5AB Despite subsection (5A) , the contract may, in relation to the matters referred to in subsection (5)(g), provide for a single self-audit report for all the schools covered by the contract with school-specific sections. 5B The Agency and a sponsor may, by agreement, vary a multi-school contract to— a add 1 or more charter schools; or b remove 1 or more charter schools. 22 Section 212M amended (Notification of charter school) Replace section 212M(2) with: 2 A notice under subsection (1) must specify— a whether the charter school is covered by a multi-school contract; and b in relation to each charter school covered by a charter school contract,— i the name and location of the charter school to which the contract relates; and ii the name of the sponsor; and iii whether the charter school is to be a primary, secondary, or composite school; and iv whether the charter school will offer or provide distance learning and, if so, whether the school’s main mode of curriculum delivery will be distance learning; and v the year levels for which education may be given at the school; and vi any religious, philosophical, or other distinguishing characteristics of the school; and vii whether all or any (and if so, which) year levels are to be single-sex. 23 Section 212O amended (Duties of sponsors) In section 212O, after A sponsor must , insert , in relation to each charter school covered by the contract, . In section 212O, insert as subsection (2): 2 However, in the case of a multi-school contract, the sponsor may appoint a chief executive to be responsible for the day-to-day management of all the schools covered by the contract. 24 Section 212P amended (Sponsor to control management of charter school) In section 212P(1) and (2), replace the school with each school covered by the charter school contract . 25 New sections 212ZEA and 212ZEB and cross-heading inserted After section 212ZE, insert: Replacement of converted school with State school 212ZEA Authorisation Board to find replacement sponsor 1 This section applies if the sponsor of a converted school gives— a written notice of termination of its charter school contract to the Agency and the Authorisation Board; or b written notice to the Agency and Authorisation Board that it will not exercise any right of renewal of the contract. 2 After receiving notice under subsection (1) , the Authorisation Board must take reasonable steps to find a replacement sponsor. 3 Sections 212I, 212J, and 212K apply, with any necessary modifications, to the approval of a replacement sponsor. 4 Section 212L applies, with any necessary modifications, to a replacement sponsor. 212ZEB Minister must establish replacement State school 1 This section applies if the Authorisation Board is unable to find a replacement sponsor for the charter school before the date of termination or expiry of the charter school contract. State integrated school 2 If the converted school was, immediately before the conversion date, a State integrated school, the Minister must accept an application from the former proprietor of that school to negotiate integration. 3 Despite subsection (2) , the Minister is not required to establish a replacement State integrated school if, in the Minister’s opinion, 1 or more of the following apply: a establishing the school would have significant implications for the Crown’s finances that are not justified in the circumstances: b establishing the school would not benefit the network of State schools by allowing students access to quality schooling and providing choice about the type of education they receive: c there is insufficient community support for integration of the school. 4 After the Minister accepts an application under subsection (2) , the Minister must offer terms that are substantially similar to those in the previous integration agreement relating to the school. State school other than State integrated school 5 If the converted school was, immediately before the conversion date, a State school other than a State integrated school, the Minister must, under section 190, establish a replacement State school of the same type that the converted school was before the date of conversion. 6 Despite subsection (5) , the Minister is not required to establish a replacement State school if, in the Minister’s opinion, 1 or more of the following apply: a establishing the school would have significant implications for the Crown’s finances that are not justified in the circumstances: b establishing the school would not benefit the network of State schools by allowing students access to quality schooling and providing choice about the type of education they receive: c there is insufficient community support for the replacement school. 26 Section 212ZF amended (Interventions in charter schools by Authorisation Board) After section 212ZF(1)(e), insert: f in the case of a multi-school contract,— i remove 1 or more charter schools from the contract; or ii remove 1 or more charter schools from the contract and replace the sponsor with another sponsor. In section 212ZF(3), replace subsection (1)(d) or (e) with subsection (1)(d), (e), or (f) . In section 212ZF(5), after charter school contract , insert or exercising the power in subsection (1)(f) . 27 Section 213 amended (Secretary may require application for registration of school) In the heading to section 213, replace Secretary with Director . In section 213, replace Secretary with Director of Regulation in each place. 28 Section 214 amended (Registration of private schools) In section 214(2), replace— a Secretary with Director of Regulation in each place; and b provided with approved . 29 Section 239 replaced (Offence relating to failure to comply with notice given under section 46) Replace section 239 with: 239 Offence relating to failure to comply with Secretary’s direction under section 82(1)(c) 1 A parent commits an offence if the parent fails to comply with a direction given by the Secretary under section 82(1)(c). 2 The parent is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000. 30 Section 249 amended (Offences relating to operation of private schools) In section 249(3), replace Secretary with Director of Regulation . 30A Section 284 amended (Statutes) In section 284(2), replace This section with Subsection (1)(h) . 31 Section 399 amended (Outline of Part 5) After section 399(6), insert: 6A Subpart 5A concerns the New Zealand School Property Agency. 32 Section 452 amended (Rules) In section 452(1)(s), after qualifications , insert , micro-credentials, in each place. 33 Section 475 replaced (Composition of Teaching Council) Replace section 475 with: 475 Composition of Teaching Council 1 The Teaching Council consists of at least 7, but not more than 9, members appointed by the Minister in accordance with section 476. 2 The Minister— a must appoint one of the members appointed under this section as chairperson; and b may appoint one of the members appointed under this section as a deputy chairperson. 34 Section 476 amended (Ministerial appointment as member) Replace section 476(1) and (2) with: 1 The members of the Teaching Council appointed by the Minister must be persons nominated after the Teaching Council vacancy has been publicly notified. 2 The public notice must— a specify the appointment process; and b list the criteria for appointment specified in subsection (4). Repeal section 476(3). Replace section 476(4)(b) with: b have regard to the collective skills, experience, and knowledge of members of the Teaching Council, including (without limitation) the candidate’s knowledge and experience in any of the following areas: i governance: ii finance and risk management: iii regulatory compliance: iv disciplinary processes: v understanding of the partnership principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. After section 476(4), insert: 5 The Minister must appoint at least 3 members who each have at least 5 years’ experience in the education sector. 35 Section 478 replaced (Purpose of Teaching Council) Replace section 478 with: 478 Purposes of Teaching Council The purposes of the Teaching Council are to— a provide regulatory oversight of teachers’ fitness to practise and professional competence; and b through the performance of its functions set out in section 479(1), ensure the safety of children and young people in early childhood, primary, and secondary education settings; and c provide assurance about the quality of initial teacher education programmes and their providers in order to ensure that graduates are prepared for the workforce. 36 Section 479 amended (Functions and powers of Teaching Council) Replace section 479(1) with: 1 The functions of the Teaching Council are to— a carry out the functions under Schedule 3 relating to teacher registration: b conduct, in conjunction with quality assurance agencies,— i approvals of teacher education programmes; and ii monitoring and review of delivery of those programmes: c monitor and enforce the requirements relating to mandatory reporting in this subpart and Schedule 3: d perform the disciplinary functions in this subpart relating to teacher misconduct and reports of teacher convictions: e set the criteria for reporting serious misconduct and for reporting on competence issues: f perform the functions in this subpart relating to teacher competence: g co-ordinate a system providing for the vetting by the Police of all teachers: h prosecute, as the Teaching Council considers appropriate, breaches of the requirements of this Act relating to mandatory reports to the Council, teacher registration, practising certificates, and limited authorities to teach: i perform any other functions conferred on it by this Act or any other legislation. Repeal section 479(2). After section 479(3), insert: 3A For the purpose of carrying out its functions in subsection (1)(b) , the Teaching Council may, by written notice, require a teacher education programme provider to give the Council any information specified in the notice within a specified time. 3B The Teaching Council may do 1 or more of the following after consulting the Secretary: a impose conditions on the approval of a teacher education programme when approving the programme: b impose new conditions on the approval: c amend or revoke any existing conditions: d cancel a programme approval. In section 479(7), replace (1)(g), (h), or (i) with (1)(b) . 37 Section 480 amended (Teaching Council fees, levies, and costs) In section 480(4)(a), replace registered teachers with the Minister, registered teachers, . 38 New section 480A inserted (Functions of Secretary) After section 480, insert: 480A Functions of Secretary 1 The functions of the Secretary are to— Teacher registration a establish and maintain criteria for teacher registration under Schedule 3 that the Secretary considers necessary or desirable: Standards and criteria for qualifications, ongoing practice, and practising certificates b establish and maintain standards for qualifications that lead to teacher registration: c establish and maintain— i standards for ongoing practice; and ii criteria for the issue of practising certificates of different kinds: Code of conduct d establish and maintain a code of conduct for teachers under section 485: Reviews and subsequent action e review the following in accordance with subsection (2) : i the criteria for teacher registration established under paragraph (a) : ii the standards and criteria for qualifications, ongoing practice, and practising certificates established under paragraphs (b) and (c) : iii the code of conduct established under section 485: f vary, delete, add to, or replace 1 or more criteria or standards established under paragraphs (a) to (c) after— i a review under paragraph (e) ; and ii consulting the Teaching Council and the organisations of employees affected by the criteria or standards: g vary, add to, or replace the code of conduct established under section 485 after a review under paragraph (e) . 2 The Secretary must carry out the reviews referred to in subsection (1)(e) — a at least once every 7 years; or b at shorter intervals if the Secretary thinks there is good reason to do so. 38A Section 481 amended (Ministerial powers) Replace the heading to section 481 with Powers of Minister and Secretary . In section 481(2), after Minister , insert or the Secretary in each place. After section 481(2), insert: 3 Despite anything in this subpart, the Minister may not give a direction or intervene in any matter that relates to any specific registration, competence, conduct, or disciplinary matter being considered by any of the following: a the Teaching Council: b the Complaints Assessment Committee: c the Disciplinary Tribunal: d the Competence Authority. 38B Section 482 amended (Issue of statement of Government policy relating to Teaching Council’s functions) In section 482(5), replace have regard to with give effect to . 38C New sections 482A to 482D and cross-heading inserted After section 482, insert: Reporting and financial obligations 482A Obligation to prepare statement of intent 1 The Teaching Council must prepare a statement of intent at least once in every 3-year period. 2 A statement of intent must relate to the next financial year and at least the following 3 financial years. 3 A statement of intent must, for the period to which it relates,— a set out the strategic objectives that the Teaching Council intends to achieve or contribute to: b explain the nature and scope of the Teaching Council’s functions and intended operations: c explain how the Teaching Council intends to manage its functions and operations to meet its strategic intentions: d explain how the Teaching Council proposes to manage its organisational health and capability: e explain how the Teaching Council proposes to assess its performance: f set out and explain any other matters that— i are reasonably necessary to achieve an understanding of the Teaching Council’s strategic intentions and capability: ii the Teaching Council is required to include in its statement of intent under this Act or another Act. Ministerial involvement in statement of intent 4 The Minister may, if the Minister considers it necessary or desirable,— a require the Teaching Council to provide the Minister with a draft statement of intent: b make comments on a draft statement of intent: c agree with the Teaching Council that information additional to that referred to in subsection (3) be included in a statement of intent: d by written notice, require the Teaching Council to— i amend information included in a statement of intent: ii provide a new statement of intent that complies with this section: iii follow a particular process or time frame in relation to the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d)(ii) . 5 Despite subsection (2) , the Minister may require the new statement of intent to relate to the remainder of the current financial year in addition to the next financial year and at least the following 3 financial years. 482B Obligation to publish and present statement of intent 1 The Teaching Council must, as soon as practicable, publish a statement of intent prepared under section 482A on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Council. 2 The Teaching Council must, as soon as practicable after preparing a statement of intent, present it to the House of Representatives. 482C Obligation to prepare statement of performance expectations 1 Before the start of each financial year, the Teaching Council must prepare a statement of performance expectations for the financial year. 2 A statement of performance expectations must— a identify the nature of key outputs that the Teaching Council intends to deliver; and b include an explanation of what the outputs are intended to achieve and how delivery of the outputs will be assessed against the statement of intent; and c contain forecast financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice. 3 In preparing a statement of performance expectations under subsection (1) , the Teaching Council must have regard to any expectations of the Minister that are communicated to the Council in writing and that relate to— a the Teaching Council’s work programme; or b engagement with the Minister or the Ministry. Ministerial involvement in statement of performance expectations 4 The Minister may, if the Minister considers it necessary or desirable,— a require the Teaching Council to provide the Minister with a draft statement of performance expectations: b make comments on a draft statement of performance expectations: c agree with the Teaching Council that information additional to that referred to in subsection (2) be included in a statement of performance expectations: d by written notice, require the Teaching Council to— i amend information included in a statement of performance expectations: ii provide a new statement of performance expectations that complies with this section: iii follow a particular process or time frame in relation to the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d)(ii) . 482D Obligation to publish and present statement of performance expectations 1 The Teaching Council must, as soon as practicable, publish a statement of performance expectations prepared under section 482C on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Council. 2 The Teaching Council must, as soon as practicable after preparing a statement of performance expectations, present it to the House of Representatives. 38D Section 483 replaced (Reports) Replace section 483 with: 483 Annual report on operations 1 The Teaching Council must, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, prepare an annual report on its operations. 2 The Teaching Council must publish an annual report on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Teaching Council. 3 The Teaching Council must, as soon as practicable after preparing an annual report, present it to the House of Representatives. 4 The annual report must include (without limitation)— a a statement of performance for the financial year, including the outputs achieved, as compared with the outputs intended to be delivered (which were included in the statement of performance expectations); and b the financial statements of the Teaching Council that have been audited by a qualified auditor (within the meaning of section 35 of the Financial Reporting Act 2013); and c an audit report from the person who audited the financial statements; and d a report on how the Teaching Council has complied with the requirement under section 482(5) to give effect to any relevant statement of Government policy; and e any other matters that relate to or affect the Teaching Council’s operations that the Teaching Council is otherwise required, or has undertaken, to report on in its annual report. 39 Section 485 amended (Code of conduct) In section 485(1) and (5), replace Teaching Council with Secretary . After section 485(1), insert: 1A Despite clause 2 of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020, the Secretary must not delegate to any person the functions or duties under this section. Replace section 485(2) with: 2 When preparing the code of conduct (and any amendments to it), the Secretary— a must take all reasonable steps to consult— i those who are bound by it; and ii the Teaching Council; and iii the Public Service Commissioner; and b must have regard to— i any relevant minimum standards of integrity and conduct or code of conduct that the Public Service Commissioner sets or issues under section 17 of the Public Service Act 2020; and ii any code of conduct that the Secretary issues under section 598. Repeal section 485(3). 39A Section 486 amended (Teaching Council to make rules) Repeal section 486(1)(a). 40 Section 487 amended (Delegations) Repeal section 487(2)(e). 40A Section 488 replaced (Chief executive and employees) Replace section 488 with: 488 Chief executive and employees 1 The Teaching Council may appoint a chief executive— a for a term not exceeding 5 years; and b who is not a member of the Teaching Council. 2 The chief executive may be reappointed. 3 The Teaching Council may appoint any other employees it thinks necessary or desirable for the efficient performance of its functions. 41 Section 495 amended (Complaints about conduct) In section 495(1), replace Teaching Council with Secretary . 42 New subpart 5A of Part 5 inserted After section 517, insert: 5A New Zealand School Property Agency Establishment of New Zealand School Property Agency 517A Persons responsible for administration of subpart 1 The following persons are responsible for the administration of this subpart: a the Minister who, under any warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act: b if an additional Minister is given responsibility for the administration of this subpart (or 1 or more sections in this subpart), that person and the person referred to in paragraph (a) . 2 If subsection (1)(b) applies, the persons referred to in that subsection must act jointly in the performance of their functions and duties, and the exercise of their powers under this subpart (or 1 or more sections of this subpart). 517B New Zealand School Property Agency established The New Zealand School Property Agency is established. 517C NZSPA is Crown entity 1 The New Zealand School Property Agency is a Crown agent. 2 The Crown Entities Act 2004 applies to the New Zealand School Property Agency, except to the extent that this Act expressly provides otherwise. 517D Membership of NZSPA 1 The Board of the NZSPA consists of at least 5, but not more than 9, members. 2 The members of the Board of the NZSPA must be appointed by the Minister. 3 When appointing members, the Minister must be satisfied that the Board of the NZSPA collectively has knowledge of, and experience and expertise, in the following areas: a governance relating to— i construction; and ii infrastructure delivery; and iii asset management; and iv the public sector: b management of large infrastructure or property portfolios: c financial and risk management: d government processes: e the New Zealand schooling system: f perspectives of State school boards and their employees, and school communities. Objective, functions, and additional duties of NZSPA 517E Objective of NZSPA The objective of the NZSPA is to support and contribute to the achievement of the purpose of this Act by ensuring that the administration of education property— a is effective and efficient; and b consistent with good practice for investment and asset management, including standards and directions issued by the Government. 517F Functions of NZSPA 1 The functions of the NZSPA are to— a administer the following as agent of the Crown: i education property and associated rights: ii improvements to education property: iii agreements relating to education property and associated rights: b manage the planning, design, construction, acquisition, maintenance, repair, and disposal of education property— i in accordance with this Act and the Public Works Act 1981; and ii in a manner that gives effect to standards and priorities set by the Government: c support the regulated entities in planning and managing capital projects and maintenance works funded by the Ministry: d monitor the performance of education property, including by ensuring that the maintenance by a relevant person and the regulated entities of their land, buildings, and associated infrastructure complies with the following requirements: i terms and conditions specified under section 161 or section 560 (as applicable): ii other legislative requirements: iii other standards and policies specified by the Secretary or the NZSPA: e report to the Secretary, if required under section 517G(1)(b) , on a failure of a regulated entity to comply with 1 or more requirements referred to in paragraph (d) : f provide advice about property planning and delivery to the Minister and the Secretary to support decision-making related to property investment: g maintain relationships with the regulated entities and provide advice to them about education property: h support the Crown in its responsibility to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including by— i supporting the Crown in negotiating and agreeing the settlement of claims made by Māori in relation to breaches or alleged breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi or its principles; and ii understanding and administering Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlement commitments in relation to education property as agent of the Crown: i carry out any additional function— i conferred on it by this Act or any other legislation; or ii relevant to its objective that the Minister directs in accordance with section 112 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. 2 The Board of the NZSPA may employ any person— a it thinks necessary or desirable for the effective and efficient administration of its functions; and b who is not an existing member of the Board of the NZSPA or a State school board; and c subject to the condition that the person does not become a member of the Board of the NZSPA or a State school board during their employment term. 517G Additional collective duties of NZSPA Board 1 The Board of the NZSPA must ensure that— a the NZSPA maintains systems and processes to ensure that the NZSPA has the capability and capacity to perform its functions under section 517F ; and b the NZSPA makes a report to the Secretary if— i a regulated entity has failed to comply with, or is not complying with, 1 or more requirements referred to in section 517F(1)(d) ; and ii the non-compliance is significant or recurring; and iii intervention by the NZSPA has failed to address the non-compliance within a reasonable time; and c it appoints a chief executive— i who is not an existing member of the Board of the NZSPA or a State school board; and ii subject to the condition that they do not become a member of the Board of the NZSPA or a State school board during their appointment term; and iii in accordance with section 117 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. 2 The duties of the Board of the NZSPA in subsection (1) are— a in addition to the duties in sections 49 to 52 of the Crown Entities Act 2004; and b collective duties owed to the Minister for the purposes of section 58 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. Powers of NZSPA Board 517H Power to authorise entry, inspection, construction, repairs, and maintenance 1 The Board of the NZSPA may, for the purpose of performing the functions of the NZSPA under section 517F , authorise a person in writing to exercise the powers in subsection (2) . 2 A person holding an authorisation under subsection (1) (the authorised person ) may, at any reasonable time and having given reasonable notice to a relevant person,— a enter and inspect education property: b inspect, photocopy, print, or copy onto a storage device a document (whether held in electronic or paper form) that the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds to belong to the relevant person: c remove a document described in paragraph (b) , whether in its original form or as an electronic or a paper copy: d require the relevant person to— i produce documents or provide information relating to the operation of the school or early childhood education and care centre that is operated on the education property: ii permit the authorised person to copy or take extracts from the documents or information: e enter education property and carry out, or arrange for the carrying out of— i any construction related to that property; or ii necessary repairs or maintenance. Additional requirements for entry of dwelling house 3 An authorised person may only enter education property that is a dwelling house— a in the case of an emergency; or b for the purpose of inspecting the premises, between 8 am and 7 pm on any day after giving the relevant person at least 48 hours’ notice of the intended entry, and not more frequently than once in any period of 4 weeks; or c for the purpose of carrying out construction, necessary repairs, or maintenance on the premises between 8 am and 7 pm on any day after giving the relevant person at least 24 hours’ notice of— i the intended entry; and ii the reason for the intended entry. 4 An authorised person may only exercise the powers in subsections (2)(b) to (d) in relation to a dwelling house if the person has reasonable grounds to believe the documents or information relate to the operation of the school or the early childhood education and care centre that employs the relevant person. Duties of relevant person 5 The relevant person must facilitate the exercise of powers under subsection (2)(a) and (e) . General requirements for exercise of power 6 An authorisation under subsection (1) must contain— a a reference to this section; and b the full name of the authorised person; and c a statement of the powers conferred on that person by this section. 7 A person exercising a power under subsection (2) must have the appropriate written authorisation and evidence of identity, and must produce them to the relevant person— a on first entering the premises; and b whenever subsequently reasonably required to do so by the relevant person. Duties of authorised person after exercise of certain powers 8 If the authorised person removes documents from the premises under subsection (2)(c) or copies them under subsection (2)(d) , the authorised person must— a leave at the premises a list of the documents removed or copied; and b return the documents, or a copy of them, to the relevant person as soon as practicable. 9 The authorised person must list any construction, repairs, or maintenance carried out under subsection (2)(e) and provide the list to the relevant person as soon as is reasonably practicable. 517I Recovery of money expended for necessary repairs and maintenance Costs reasonably incurred by the NZSPA for necessary repairs or maintenance carried out or arranged under section 517H(2)(e)(ii) — a must be paid by the relevant person on demand by the Board of the NZSPA; and b if not paid by the relevant person in accordance with the NZSPA Board’s demand, are recoverable from the relevant person in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the NZSPA. 517J Power to require information 1 The Board of the NZSPA may, by written notice that complies with subsection (2) , require a relevant person to provide information relating to 1 or more of the following: a the land: b any buildings on the land: c any associated infrastructure: d any maintenance or repairs planned or carried out in relation to the land, buildings, or associated infrastructure. 2 The notice must specify the information required and the date by which it must be provided to the Board of the NZSPA or a person authorised by the Board of the NZSPA. 3 The relevant person must provide the information in writing by the date specified in the notice. 517K Interventions in State school by NZSPA 1 The following interventions may be used in relation to a State school: a a requirement by the Board of the NZSPA for a board to engage specialist help: b a requirement by the Board of the NZSPA for a board to prepare and carry out an action plan: c a requirement by the Board of the NZSPA that the board attend a case conference to enable a particular issue or particular issues to be discussed and actions to be agreed: d a requirement by the Board of the NZSPA that the board engage an appropriately qualified person to undertake a specialist audit of any aspect of the school’s affairs: e the issuing by the Board of the NZSPA to the board of a performance notice requiring the board to carry out a specified action by a specified date. 2 The Board of the NZSPA may use an intervention described in subsection (1) only if the Board has reasonable grounds for concern about land, buildings, or associated infrastructure occupied or used by the board. 3 When applying an intervention, the Board of the NZSPA must apply whichever intervention it considers is reasonable to deal with the risk without intervening more than necessary in the affairs of the board. 4 The application of any one intervention does not preclude applying any other intervention, either concurrently or at any other time. 517L Specialist help 1 The Board of the NZSPA may, by written notice to a board, require the board to engage specified specialist help to remedy an issue with land, buildings, or associated infrastructure occupied or used by the board. 2 A notice given under subsection (1) must identify particular persons or organisations, or types of persons or organisations, whom the board must engage. 3 The Board of the NZSPA may also require, in the notice, that the board provide to the Secretary a report or reports (for example, a progress report and a final report) on the specialist help— a by the specified time or times; or b at the specified intervals; or c both. 4 A board that receives a notice under subsection (1) must— a engage the specialist help as soon as practicable; and b pay the fees and reasonable expenses of any person or organisation engaged to provide specialist help, unless the Board of the NZSPA determines otherwise; and c if applicable, provide a report to the Board of the NZSPA at the time or times, or intervals, specified in the notice. 517M Action plans 1 The Board of the NZSPA may, by written notice to a board, require the board to prepare and carry out an action plan to remedy an issue with land, buildings, or associated infrastructure occupied or used by the board. 2 A notice under subsection (1) must specify— a the matters that the action plan must address; and b the outcomes sought; and c the time within which a draft action plan must be prepared. 3 A board that receives a notice under subsection (1) must comply with it by— a preparing a draft action plan within the time specified in the notice; and b presenting it to the Board of the NZSPA for approval. 4 The Board of the NZSPA may negotiate with the board over the draft action plan in order to reach an agreed plan. 5 However, if, after a reasonable period, the board and the Board of the NZSPA have not reached agreement over the content of the action plan, the Board of the NZSPA may give notice to the board that the Board of the NZSPA will approve a particular version of the plan. 6 If the Board of the NZSPA has approved an action plan, the board must— a implement it in accordance with its terms, unless the Board of the NZSPA directs otherwise; and b make the plan available as if it were part of the strategic plan required under section 138. 517N Case conference 1 The Board of the NZSPA may, by written notice to a board, require the board to attend a case conference on a specified date to— a discuss an issue with land, buildings, or associated infrastructure occupied or used by the board; and b agree actions to address that issue. 2 The notice must specify the issue or issues to be discussed. 3 A board that receives a notice under subsection (1) must attend the case conference. 4 The Board of the NZSPA may invite any person to attend the case conference if the Board considers that the person’s presence at the conference is desirable. Parties agree on action 5 If the case conference results in the parties reaching agreement on an action to address an issue, the agreement— a must be recorded in writing; and b is binding on the parties. Parties not able to agree on action 6 If the Board of the NZSPA and the board are not able to agree on an action to address an issue, the Board of the NZSPA may, by written notice to the board, require it to— a take a particular action; and b provide the Board of the NZSPA with a report or reports (for example, a progress report and a final report) on the action taken— i at a given time or given times; or ii at specified intervals; or iii both. 7 A board that receives a notice under subsection (6) must,— a in relation to a requirement to take a particular action, take the action as soon as practicable; and b if the notice includes a requirement to report to the Board of the NZSPA, provide a report or reports at the time or times, or intervals, specified in the notice. 517O Specialist audit 1 The Board of the NZSPA may, by written notice to the board, require a board to engage an appropriately qualified person to undertake a specialist audit in relation to land, buildings, or associated infrastructure occupied or used by the board. 2 A notice under subsection (1) must identify particular persons or organisations, or types of persons or organisations, whom the board must engage. 3 The Board of the NZSPA may also require, in the notice, that the board provide the Board of the NZSPA with a report or reports (for example, a progress report and a final report) on the audit— a as at a given time or times; or b at specified intervals; or c both. 4 A board that receives a notice under subsection (1) must— a undertake the audit as soon as practicable; and b pay the fees and reasonable expenses of any person or organisation engaged to undertake the audit, unless the Board of the NZSPA determines otherwise; and c provide a report or reports to the Board of the NZSPA at the time or times, or intervals, specified in the notice. 517P Performance notice 1 The Board of the NZSPA may, by written notice to a board, issue a performance notice requiring the board to carry out a specified action by a specified date in relation to land, buildings, or associated infrastructure occupied or used by the board. 2 The Board of the NZSPA may also require, in the notice, that the board provide the Board of the NZSPA with a report or reports (for example, a progress report and a final report) on the action taken— a as at a given time or given times; or b at specified intervals; or c both. 3 A board that receives a notice under subsection (1) must— a take the action by the date specified in the notice; and b if applicable, provide a report or reports to the Board of the NZSPA at the time or times, or intervals, specified in the notice. 517Q Power to delegate and subdelegate 1 Despite section 73 of the Crown Entities Act 2004, the Board of the NZSPA must not delegate the duty to appoint a chief executive under section 517G(1)(c) to a person other than a person acting in place of the chief executive. 2 A delegation under section 73 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 to the chief executive, if there is no chief executive for the time being, or if the chief executive is absent from duty, continues to have effect as if made to the person for the time being acting in place of the chief executive. Subdelegation 3 Despite clause 2(7) of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020, the Board of the NZSPA may subdelegate a power or function delegated to it by the Secretary to the following persons: a a member of the Board: b the chief executive of the NZSPA: c an employee of the NZSPA. 4 The remaining provisions of clause 2 of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020 apply to a subdelegation under subsection (3) with any necessary modifications. 5 The Board of the NZSPA may subdelegate a function, duty, or power delegated to it under section 517S to the following persons: a a member of the Board: b the chief executive of the NZSPA: c an employee of the NZSPA. 517R NZSPA powers elsewhere in this Act The Board of the NZSPA also has the powers set out in sections 161 to 163 and 560. Role of Minister 517S Responsible Minister may delegate functions, duties, or powers to NZSPA 1 The Minister may, either generally or specifically, delegate to the Board of the NZSPA any or all of the Minister’s functions, duties, or powers under this Act or any other Act, including functions, duties, and powers delegated to the Minister under this Act or any other Act. 2 A delegation— a must be in writing; and b may be revoked at will in writing; and c may be subject to instructions or conditions. 3 Despite subsection (1) , the Minister must not delegate— a the general power of delegation: b any functions, duties, or powers that are inconsistent with the objective of the NZSPA set out in section 517E : c the powers in sections 517T to 517Z . 4 The power of the Minister to delegate under this section— a is subject to any prohibitions, restrictions, or conditions contained in any other Act in relation to the delegation of the Minister’s functions, duties, or powers; but b does not limit any power of delegation conferred on the Minister by any other Act. 5 The NZSPA may perform or exercise any functions, duties, or powers delegated to it in the same manner and with the same effect as if they had been conferred on it directly and not by delegation (subject to any general or special directions given or conditions imposed by the Minister). 6 If the NZSPA purports to act under any delegation, it is, in the absence of proof to the contrary, presumed to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation. 7 A delegation does not affect or prevent the Minister from performing or exercising a function, duty, or power or affect the Minister’s responsibility for the actions of any person acting under the delegation. 517T Minister may issue GPS 1 The Minister may issue a GPS in relation to either or both of the following: a the network of State and charter schools: b the school property portfolio. 2 The purpose of the GPS is to set an overall direction and priorities in relation to either or both of the following: a the network of State and charter schools: b the school property portfolio. 3 The Minister— a may review the GPS at any time; but b must review the GPS at intervals that are no more than 3 years apart. 517U Preparation or review of GPS When preparing or reviewing a GPS, the Minister must— a be satisfied that the GPS contributes to the objective of the NZSPA as set out in section 517E ; and b consult the Ministry and the NZSPA, and have regard to their views; and c engage with other persons that the Minister considers appropriate. 517V Content of GPS 1 The GPS must include the following: a the Government’s overall direction and priorities in relation to either or both of the following: i the network of State and charter schools, including in relation to Kaupapa Māori, Māori medium, and learning support: ii the school property portfolio: b how the Government expects— i the Ministry and the NZSPA to give effect to the Government’s priorities for the network of State and charter schools and the school property portfolio; and ii the NZSPA to manage and deliver its objective and carry out its functions: c a framework for regular monitoring of progress and reporting requirements. 2 The GPS may include any other matters the Minister considers relevant. 517W GPS must be made available 1 As soon as practicable after issuing a GPS, the Minister must present a copy of the GPS to the House of Representatives. 2 The GPS must be made publicly available as soon as practicable after it is issued by publishing a copy on the Ministry’s Internet site in a format that is readily accessible. 517X Status of GPS 1 A GPS is not a direction for the purposes of Part 3 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. 2 Sections 517T to 517Z do not limit other provisions relating to directions in the Crown Entities Act 2004. 517Y Effect of GPS 1 The Ministry and the NZSPA must give effect to the GPS. 2 The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette , require a central government education agency to give effect to the GPS. 3 Before exercising a power under subsection (2) , the Minister must consult the agency likely to be affected by the exercise of the power. 517Z Amending GPS 1 The Minister may amend the GPS at any time. 2 Sections 517U, 517V, and 517W do not apply to an amendment to the GPS if the Minister considers the amendment is not significant. 43 Section 547 amended (Outline of Part 6) After section 547(5), insert: 5A Subpart 4A sets out provisions concerning system monitoring studies. After section 547(6), insert: 6A Subpart 5A sets out provisions concerning the Director of Regulation. 44 Section 560 amended (Centres situated on land owned by, or leased to, the Crown) In section 560(1)(d), (2)(a) and (b), and (3), replace Secretary with Board of the NZSPA in each place. In section 560(2)(c), replace Secretary’s approval with approval of the Board of the NZSPA . 45 Section 598 amended (Code of conduct) Replace section 598(3)(c) with: c the Public Service Commissioner, and must have regard to— i any code of conduct that the Commissioner has issued under section 17 of the Public Service Act 2020; and ii any code of conduct that the Secretary has issued under section 485. 46 New subpart 4A of Part 6 inserted After section 618, insert: 4A System monitoring studies 618A Minister to notify system monitoring studies The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette , specify— a 1 or more system monitoring studies that registered schools must participate in, if selected (a notified study ); and b the dates on which the schools must participate in those studies. 618B Registered school must participate in system monitoring studies 1 The following persons must ensure that a registered school participates in a system monitoring study notified under section 618A if the school is selected to take part in that study: a in the case of a State school, the board of the school: b in the case of a charter school, the sponsor: c in the case of a private school, the managers. 2 If a registered school is selected to take part in a notified study, persons in that school holding a teaching position and students selected to participate must make best endeavours to answer questions associated with the study. 3 However, subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to— a a specified kura board: b a registered school that does not provide instruction in the language of the notified study: c a registered school that has been granted an exemption under section 618C . 618C Minister may grant exemption 1 The Minister may, by notice, exempt a specified registered school from the obligation to comply with section 618B(1) and (2) . 2 The Minister may grant the exemption only if— a the Minister is satisfied that— i participating in the study would cause undue hardship to the school, its staff, or students; or ii there has been an unforeseen event affecting the school, its staff, or students; or b the Minister considers there is another acceptable reason for granting the exemption. 3 The Minister may grant the exemption unconditionally or subject to any conditions that the Minister may specify in the notice. 4 The exemption notice must— a identify the specified school that is exempt from the obligation to comply with section 618B(1) and (2) ; and b give reasons for the exemption. 47 New subpart 5A of Part 6 inserted After section 621, insert: 5A Provisions relating to Director of Regulation 621A Director of Regulation 1 The chief executive of the Education Review Office (the chief executive ) must appoint a person to be the Director of Regulation. 2 The chief executive must be satisfied that the person has the appropriate experience and expertise to perform and exercise the functions, duties, and powers of the Director of Regulation. 3 The person must be employed by the Education Review Office, but at the time of appointment— a need not be a current employee of the Education Review Office; and b must not also be the Chief Review Officer. 4 When performing or exercising a function, duty, or power under this Act, the Director— a does so as an employee of the Education Review Office; but b must exercise independent judgement if this Act requires the Director to do so (for example, if there is a requirement to act independently of the Minister or any other person). 621B Functions of Director of Regulation 1 The functions of the Director of Regulation are to— Early childhood education aaa carry out the functions referred to in section 27B: Private schools a require the managers of a private entity that is not registered under section 214 to apply for registration as a private school if the Director considers that the entity is operating as a school ( see section 213): b approve forms for the purposes of applications for provisional registration under section 214: c make decisions on the provisional and full registration of entities as private schools in accordance with Schedule 7: d take actions against private schools in accordance with Schedule 7: e receive notifications under clause 8 of Schedule 7 that a private school is to cease to operate: f prosecute, as the Director considers appropriate, offences under section 249: g authorise regulatory officers to exercise powers under section 628 : Hostels h help to ensure the safety of students who board at hostels, including by— i making decisions on the issue, suspension, cancellation, and replacement of licences for hostels; and ii authorising persons under section 632 to exercise the powers set out in section 631; and iii prosecuting, as the Director considers appropriate, offences under regulations relating to hostels made under section 643 of this Act: General i carry out any other functions conferred or imposed on the Director under this Act or any other legislation: j publish the methods by which the Director will manage any conflicts or potential conflicts between the Director’s regulatory functions under paragraphs (aaa) to (i) and the Chief Review Officer’s monitoring, evaluation, and review functions under this Act. 2 However, the Ministry is the Minister’s principal policy adviser on matters relating to early childhood education, private schools, and hostels. 621C Regulatory officers The Director of Regulation— a may designate a suitably qualified person (whether or not an employee of the Education Review Office) as a regulatory officer for the purpose of performing functions and exercising powers in relation to private schools; and b must ensure that the person has a certificate to that effect, in a form approved by the Director. 621D Delegation of Director’s functions, duties, and powers 1 The Director of Regulation may, either generally or specifically, delegate to a person any of their functions, duties, or powers. 2 A delegation— a must be in writing; and b may be revoked at will in writing; and c may be subject to instructions or conditions. 3 Despite subsection (1) , the Director of Regulation— Delegation to person within public service who is not Education Review Office employee a may delegate their functions, duties, or powers to a person described in subsection (4) only if— i the chief executive of the Education Review Office consents in writing to that delegation; and ii the delegation is for a specified period; and Delegation outside public service b may delegate a clearly identified function, duty, or power to a person outside the public service only if— i the chief executive of the Education Review Office consents in writing to that delegation; and ii the delegation is for a specified period; and iii the Director is satisfied that any conflicts of interest will be avoided or managed; but c must not delegate— i a function, duty, or power to a person who is required to be provided with or may receive grants under section 548; and ii the general power of delegation. 4 For the purposes of subsection (3)(a) , the person is a person who— a is not an employee of the Education Review Office; but b is a public service employee or an individual working in the public service as a contractor or as a secondee from elsewhere in the State services in relation to a function of the public service. 5 A person to whom any functions, duties, or powers are delegated may perform or exercise those functions, duties, or powers in the same manner, subject to the same restrictions, and with the same effect as if they had been conferred on them directly and not by delegation (subject to any general or special directions given or conditions imposed by the Director). 6 A person who purports to act under any delegation is, in the absence of proof to the contrary, presumed to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation. 6A The Director of Regulation must report on the effectiveness of the performance or exercise of each function, duty, or power delegated under subsection (3)(b) in the annual report of the Education Review Office (prepared in accordance with section 43 of the Public Finance Act 1989) that relates to the financial year in which the function, duty, or power is performed or exercised. 7 In this section,— public service has the meaning given in section 10 of the Public Service Act 2020 public service employee has the meaning given in section 65 of the Public Service Act 2020 State services has the meaning given in section 5 of the Public Service Act 2020. 48 Section 628 replaced (Powers of entry and inspection) Replace section 628 with: 628 Powers of entry and inspection Entry in respect of registered schools 1 The Secretary may authorise a person in writing to exercise the powers in subsection (2) . 2 A person holding an authorisation under subsection (1) may, at any reasonable time,— a enter and inspect a registered school: b inspect, photocopy, print, or copy onto a storage device a document (whether held in electronic or paper form) that the person believes on reasonable grounds to belong to the board, sponsor, or manager of the school: c remove a document described in paragraph (b) , whether in its original form or as an electronic or a paper copy. Entry in respect of private schools 3 The Director of Regulation may authorise a regulatory officer in writing to exercise the powers in subsection (4) . 4 A regulatory officer holding an authorisation under subsection (3) may, at any reasonable time,— a enter and inspect a private school: b inspect, photocopy, print, or copy onto a storage device a document (whether held in electronic or paper form) that the regulatory officer believes on reasonable grounds to belong to the manager of the school: c remove a document described in paragraph (b) , whether in its original form or as an electronic or a paper copy. Requirements for exercise of powers of entry and inspection 5 An authorisation under subsection (1) or (3) must contain— a a reference to this section; and b the full name of the person authorised; and c a statement of the powers conferred on that person by this section. 6 A person exercising a power under subsection (2) or (4) must have the appropriate written authorisation and evidence of identity, and must produce them to the person in charge of the premises concerned (or the person having possession or control of the documents concerned)— a on first entering the premises; and b whenever subsequently reasonably required to do so by the person in charge. 7 If any documents are removed from a school under subsection (2)(c) or (4)(c) , the person who removes the documents must— a leave at the school a list of the documents removed; and b return the documents, or a copy of them, to the school as soon as practicable unless to do so would prejudice any investigation being or to be carried out by the Ministry or the Education Review Office. 8 In this section, inspect , in relation to a school, includes— a accessing the written and recorded work of students enrolled there; and b meeting and talking with students enrolled there. 49 Section 629 amended (Entry where private school suspected of being unregistered) In section 629(1), replace section 628(3) with section 628(1) or (3) . 50 Section 632 amended (Authorised persons) In section 632(1), replace Minister with Director of Regulation . 51 Section 635 amended (Entry and inspection powers elsewhere in Act) In section 635, insert as subsection (2): 2 The right of persons authorised by the NZSPA to enter and inspect education property and to carry out (or arrange for the carrying out of) any construction, necessary repairs, or maintenance is set out in section 517H . 51A New section 640A inserted (Regulations relating to long-term exemptions from enrolment) After section 640, insert: 640A Regulations relating to long-term exemptions from enrolment 1 The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations for the purposes of section 38(4A) . 2 Without limiting subsection (1) , the regulations may— a specify what a parent needs to report to the Ministry to maintain an exemption certificate under section 38; and b specify how frequently the report needs to be made; and c specify the manner and form of reports; and d set out any assessment requirements for a student to whom the exemption applies; and e provide for any other matter necessary for the administration of section 38. 3 Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements). 52 Schedule 1 amended In Schedule 1,— a insert the Part set out in Schedule 1 of this Act as the last Part; and b make all necessary consequential amendments. In Schedule 1, clause 114, replace the definitions of conversion date and converted school with: conversion date has the meaning given in section 10(1) converted school has the meaning given in section 10(1) In Schedule 1, clause 152(1), after 162 , insert (other than clause 155A ) . In Schedule 1, after clause 152(1), insert: 1A Clause 155A applies during the period beginning on 6 July 2026 and ending on the close of 31 December 2027 . In Schedule 1, after clause 155, insert: 155A Industry skills board may be part of secondary–tertiary programme 1 Despite clause 1(1) of Schedule 8, the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette , recognise as a provider group of secondary–tertiary programmes a group of organisations that includes 1 or more industry skills boards that provide training activities. 2 Despite clause 5 of Schedule 8, the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette , recognise as a lead provider of secondary–tertiary programmes an industry skills board that provides training activities. 53 Schedule 3 amended In Schedule 3, clause 2(d), replace section 479(1)(e) with section 480A(1)(a) . In Schedule 3, clause 10(2)(c), replace Teaching Council under section 479(1)((j) with Secretary under section 480A(1)(c) . In Schedule 3, clause 10(4)(b)(ii), (6)(a)(iv), and (6)(b)(iii), replace section 479(1)(j) with section 480A(1)(c) . 54 Schedule 6 amended In Schedule 6, after clause 2(4), insert: 4A Despite subclause (4), the Minister must accept an application to enter into negotiations for integration if required to do so under section 212ZEB . 55 Schedule 7 amended In Schedule 7, in the following provisions, replace Secretary with Director of Regulation in each place: a clause 1(1) to (3) and (5): b clause 4: c clause 6: d clause 8: e clause 9: f clause 10(1) to (3): g clause 11: h clause 12(1) and (2). In Schedule 7, replace clause 1(4) with: 4 The Director of Regulation may require a further assessment, in addition to the assessment under clause 9(2) , of a school that has its provisional registration renewed under subclause (3). In Schedule 7, clause 1(5), replace a review with an assessment . In Schedule 7, clause 4(1), replace Secretary’s approval with approval of the Director of Regulation . In Schedule 7, in the cross-heading above clause 8, replace Secretary with Director . In Schedule 7, in the heading to clause 8, replace Secretary with Director . In Schedule 7, in the cross-heading above clause 9, replace Review with Assessment and review . In Schedule 7, in the heading to clause 9, replace Review with Assessment and review . In Schedule 7, replace clause 9(1) to (4) with: 1 As soon as practicable after provisionally registering an existing school or a proposed school under clause 1(1), the Director of Regulation must inform the Chief Review Officer and the Secretary of the provisional registration. 2 The Director of Regulation must ensure that a regulatory officer assesses a school that is provisionally registered under clause 1(1)— a between 6 and 12 months after the provisional registration of the school; or b earlier, by agreement with its managers. 3 The Director of Regulation must ensure that a regulatory officer conducts a further assessment of a school that has had its provisional registration renewed under clause 1(3). 3A The Director of Regulation must ensure that a regulatory officer periodically conducts an assessment of a fully registered private school. 4 The Director of Regulation must ensure that a regulatory officer who conducts an assessment under subclause (2), (3), or (3A) — a prepares a written report on the assessment that includes information about— i whether the school meets the criteria for registration as a private school; and ii the areas in which improvement is required, if the school does not meet the criteria; and b gives a copy of the report to the school’s manager. In Schedule 7, repeal clause 9(7). In Schedule 7, in the cross-heading above clause 10, replace Secretary with Director . In Schedule 7, in the heading to clause 10, replace Secretary’s with Director’s . In Schedule 7, clause 10(1)(b), replace a review with an assessment . In Schedule 7, after clause 12(2), insert: 3 As soon as practicable after cancelling the registration of a private school, the Director of Regulation must notify the Secretary of the cancellation. 55A Schedule 11A amended In Schedule 11A, after clause 7(b), insert: c paying remuneration to the chairperson of the Federation Committee at a rate determined by the Minister in accordance with the fees framework referred to in clause 17(3) of Schedule 11. 56 Schedule 19 amended In Schedule 19, replace clause 1(1) and (2) with: 1 The term of office of an appointed member of the Teaching Council is 3 years or a shorter period as specified by the Minister in the member’s notice of appointment. 2 An appointed member may be reappointed for 2 more terms. In Schedule 19, repeal clause 2. In Schedule 19, replace clause 3(1) to (6) with: 1 The Minister may, at any time and entirely at the Minister’s discretion, remove a member of the Teaching Council from office. 2 The removal must be made by written notice to the member. 3 The notice must state the date on which the removal takes effect, which must not be earlier than the date on which the notice is received. 4 A copy of the notice must be given to the Teaching Council. 5 The Minister must notify the removal in the Gazette as soon as practicable after giving the notice. In Schedule 19, clause 4(1), delete or elected . In Schedule 19, replace clause 5(2) to (4) with: 2 If an extraordinary vacancy occurs, the Minister may appoint a replacement or leave the vacancy open. 3 A person appointed to fill an extraordinary vacancy holds office only for the remainder of the vacating member’s term. 57 Principal Act Section 58 amends the Crown Entities Act 2004. 58 Schedule 1 amended In Schedule 1, Part 1, table, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: New Zealand School Property Agency 59 Principal Act Section 60 amends the Ombudsmen Act 1975. 60 Schedule 1 amended In Schedule 1, Part 2, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: New Zealand School Property Agency 61 Consequential amendments Amend the legislation specified in Schedule 2 as set out in that schedule. 62 Revocation The Public Service (Chief Executive for School Property) Order 2024 (SL 2024/226) is revoked. 1 New Part 10 inserted into Schedule 1 10 Provisions relating to Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Act 2025 204 Interpretation In this Part, amendment Act means the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Act 2025 . 1 Transitional provisions relating to transfer of Teaching Council functions 205 Interpretation In this subpart,— commencement date means the date on which this subpart comes into force transferred function means a function of the Teaching Council that, on and after the commencement date, becomes a function of the Secretary under section 480A(1) . 206 Consequences of transfer of functions of Teaching Council to Secretary On and after the commencement date,— a information (including personal information) held by the Teaching Council in relation to a transferred function before the commencement date is to be treated as having been held by the Secretary; and b anything done or omitted to be done or that is to be done by, or in relation to, the Teaching Council in relation to a transferred function must be treated as having been done or omitted or to be done by, or in relation to, the Secretary; and c the Secretary may complete any matter or thing that would, but for the amendment Act, have been completed by the Teaching Council; and d a reference to the Teaching Council (whether express or implied) in legislation (other than this Act), proceedings, or other documents must, in relation to a transferred function, be read as a reference to the Secretary unless the context otherwise requires. 207 Code of conduct, standards, and criteria 1 This clause applies to— a a code of conduct established or maintained under section 485 (as it read immediately before the commencement date) and in force before the commencement date; and b standards or criteria issued under section 479 (as it read immediately before the commencement date)— i in force immediately before the commencement date; or ii that come into force after the commencement date. 2 The code of conduct continues in force on and after the commencement date and must be treated as if it were issued under section 485 (as amended by the amendment Act). 3 The standards and criteria must be treated as if they were issued under section 480A . 2 Transitional provisions relating to membership of Teaching Council 208 Interpretation In this subpart, commencement date means the date on which this subpart comes into force. 209 Membership of Teaching Council 1 This clause applies to members of the Teaching Council holding office under section 475(1)(b) immediately before the commencement date. 2 The members remain in office until replaced in accordance with this clause ( see clause 4(1) of Schedule 19). 5 As soon as is reasonably practicable after the commencement date, the Minister must appoint members to the Teaching Council in accordance with section 476. 6 All previously appointed members of the Teaching Council cease to hold office when the Minister appoints the members (regardless of the number of members appointed by the Minister). 3 Transitional provisions relating to replacement of converted schools 210 Employees of converted schools 1 This clause applies to an employee— a who is employed by a sponsor at a converted school that is or is to be replaced by a State school under section 212ZEB ; and b who applies in writing for an equivalent position at that State school. 2 The employee must be offered the equivalent position unless— a another employee to whom this clause applies is appointed to that position; or b the employee’s appointment would contravene section 92 or 93. 3 An employee appointed to an equivalent position is not entitled to receive any payment or other benefit on the ground that the position held by the employee in the converted school has ceased to exist. 4 This clause overrides anything to the contrary in— a a relevant employment agreement: b Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act 2000: c sections 603 and 604. 5 In this clause, equivalent position means employment that, relative to the employee’s current position,— a involves comparable duties and responsibilities; and b is in the same general locality or a locality within reasonable commuting distance; and c is on terms that treat the period of service with the sponsor of the converted school (and every other period of service recognised for the purposes of the previous position as continuous service) as if it were continuous service with the education service. 4 Transitional provisions relating to transfer of private school and hostel functions of Secretary and Minister 211 Interpretation In this subpart,— commencement date means the date on which this subpart comes into force transferred functions means the following functions of the Secretary and the Minister that are transferred to the Director of Regulation on and after the commencement date: a the functions of the Secretary under sections 213, 214, and 249, and Schedule 7: b the functions of the Secretary under regulations relating to hostels made under section 643: c the function of the Minister under section 632. 212 Consequences of transfer of private school and hostel functions of Secretary and Minister to Director of Regulation On and after the commencement date,— a information (including personal information) held by the Minister or the Secretary in relation to their transferred functions before the commencement date is to be treated as having been held by the Director of Regulation; and b anything done or omitted to be done or that is to be done by, or in relation to, the Minister or the Secretary in relation to their transferred functions must be treated as having been done or omitted or to be done by, or in relation to, the Director of Regulation; and c the Director of Regulation may complete any matter or thing that would, but for the amendment Act, have been completed by the Minister or the Secretary; and d a reference to the Minister or Secretary (whether express or implied) in legislation (other than this Act), proceedings, or other documents must, in relation to their transferred functions, be read as a reference to the Director of Regulation unless the context otherwise requires. 4A Transitional provisions relating to Director of Regulation 213 Interpretation In this subpart,— commencement date means the date on which this subpart comes into force ECE functions means the functions referred to in section 27B (as it read immediately before the commencement date) that are transferred to the new Director of Regulation new Director of Regulation means the first Director appointed under section 621A previous Director of Regulation means the Director appointed under section 27A (as it read immediately before it was repealed by section 5A of the amendment Act). 214 Consequences of transfer of ECE functions On and after the commencement date,— a information (including personal information) held by the previous Director of Regulation in relation to their ECE functions before the commencement date is to be treated as having been held by the new Director of Regulation; and b anything done or omitted to be done or that is to be done by, or in relation to, the previous Director of Regulation in relation to their ECE functions must be treated as having been done or omitted or to be done by, or in relation to, the new Director of Regulation; and c the new Director of Regulation may complete any matter or thing that would, but for the amendment Act, have been completed by the previous Director of Regulation; and d a reference to the previous Director of Regulation (whether express or implied) in legislation (other than this Act), proceedings, or other documents must, in relation to their transferred functions, be read as a reference to the new Director of Regulation unless the context otherwise requires. 5 Transitional provisions relating to NZSPA 215 Interpretation In this subpart,— affected employee means an employee whose position ceases to exist in the Ministry as a result of a transferred function Chief Executive for School Property means the functional chief executive for school property listed in Schedule 5 of the Public Service Act 2020 commencement date means the date on which subpart 5A of Part 5 (as inserted by the amendment Act) comes into force equivalent position means employment that, relative to the employee’s current position,— a involves comparable duties and responsibilities; and b is in the same general locality or a locality within reasonable commuting distance; and c is on terms and conditions of employment that are no less favourable than those that applied to the employee immediately before the offer of an equivalent position (including any service-related, redundancy, and superannuation conditions); and d is on terms that treat the period of service with the Ministry (and every other period of service recognised for the purposes of the previous position as continuous service) as if it were continuous service with the NZSPA transferred functions means functions carried out by the Ministry’s school property unit and the Chief Executive for School Property that become functions of the NZSPA on and after the commencement date. 216 Consequences of transfer of functions 1 On and after the commencement date,— a information (including personal information) held by the Ministry or the Secretary in relation to transferred functions before the commencement date is to be treated as having been held by the NZSPA; and b all rights, liabilities, entitlements, and engagements of the Crown, the Ministry, or the Secretary in relation to transferred functions become the rights, liabilities, entitlements, and engagements of the NZSPA; and c anything done or omitted to be done or that is to be done in relation to transferred functions by, or in relation to, the Crown, the Ministry, or the Secretary must be treated as having been done or omitted or to be done by, or in relation to, the NZSPA; and d the commencement, continuation, or enforcement of proceedings by or against the Crown, the Ministry, or the Secretary in relation to transferred functions may instead be commenced, continued, or enforced by or against the NZSPA without amendment to the proceedings; and e the NZSPA may complete any matter or thing that would, but for the amendment Act, have been completed by the Crown, the Ministry, or the Secretary; and f a reference to the Crown, the Ministry, or the Secretary (whether express or implied) in a notice, instrument, agreement, deed, other document, or legislation must, in relation to transferred functions, be read as a reference to the NZSPA unless the context otherwise requires. 2 However, subclause (1)(f) does not apply to the following: a this Act: b an agreement, a deed, and any legislation resulting from negotiations relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi claims made by Māori in relation to breaches, or alleged breaches, of Te Tiriti o Waitangi or its principles (unless the parties to the agreement or deed agree otherwise). 3 The transfer of a Ministry function to the NZSPA does not, of itself, affect— a a decision made, or anything done or omitted to be done, by the Crown, the Ministry, or the Secretary in relation to a transferred function before the commencement date; or b any other matter or thing arising out of the Crown, the Ministry, or the Secretary performing a transferred function before the commencement date. 217 Transfer of employees Options that may be offered to affected employee 1 An affected employee may be offered one of the following: a an equivalent position in the NZSPA (by the NZSPA): b other employment in the NZSPA (by the NZSPA): c redeployment within the Ministry (by the Ministry). When employee regarded as redundant 2 Subclause (3) applies to an affected employee who— a is not offered employment in the NZSPA; or b is not offered redeployment within the Ministry; or ba is offered, but does not accept, redeployment within the Ministry; or c is offered, but does not accept, a position in the NZSPA (whether or not it is an equivalent position). 3 The affected employee— a is regarded as redundant; and b ceases to be employed by the Ministry 1 month after the employee has been given written notice by the Secretary; and c unless subclause (4) or section 88 of the Public Service Act 2020 (other restrictions on redundancy payments) applies, is entitled to any redundancy payment in accordance with their employment agreement. 4 An affected employee is not entitled to receive a payment or other benefit (including redundancy compensation) on the ground that the position held by the affected employee has ceased to exist if the employee— a is offered an equivalent position in the NZSPA (whether or not the employee accepts the offer); or b is offered, and accepts, other employment in the NZSPA; or c accepts redeployment within the Ministry. No new employment 5 The employment of an affected employee by the NZSPA does not— a constitute new employment, including for the purposes of the Holidays Act 2003, the KiwiSaver Act 2006, or any service-related entitlements or benefits (whether legislative or otherwise); or b treat that employee as a new employee for the purposes of the Employment Relations Act 2000. Application of collective agreement 6 Subclause (7) applies if— a an affected employee accepts employment with the NZSPA; and b immediately before the commencement date, the affected employee was covered by a collective agreement (the earlier agreement ) between the Secretary and a union of which the employee was a member (the union ). 7 On the date the affected employee accepts employment with the NZSPA, the following apply: a the NZSPA and the union are parties to a new collective agreement: b the terms and conditions of the new collective agreement are the same as the earlier agreement, subject to any necessary modifications: c the employee is covered by the new collective agreement as long as they remain— i a member of the union; and ii in a role covered by that collective agreement. 8 Subclause (7) does not— a entitle an employee who was not covered by the earlier agreement to be covered by the new collective agreement; and b does not prevent the parties to the new collective agreement from varying or terminating the agreement in accordance with the terms of the agreement and other applicable law. Relationship with other legislation and employment agreement 9 This clause overrides— a Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act 2000; and b the following provisions in a relevant employment agreement: i an employment protection provision: ii a change management provision: iii a process or procedural provision, including notification. 218 Government Superannuation Fund 1 A person who, immediately before becoming an employee of the NZSPA, was a contributor to the Government Superannuation Fund under Part 2 or 2A of the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956 is treated, for the purposes of that Act, as being employed in the Government service as long as the person continues to be employed by the NZSPA. 2 The Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956 applies to the person in all respects as if the person’s service as an employee of the NZSPA were government service. 3 Subclause (1) does not entitle a person to become a contributor to the Government Superannuation Fund if the person has ceased to be a contributor. 4 For the purpose of applying the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956, the NZSPA is the controlling authority. 219 Transfer of agreements and deeds to NZSPA 1 This clause applies to an agreement (other than an employment agreement or an agreement or deed to which clause 216(1)(f) applies) or a deed made between, or on behalf of, the Crown and another person before the commencement date that— a relates to a transferred function; and b the Secretary notifies the NZSPA is an agreement or deed, or class or category of agreement or deed, to which this clause applies. 2 On and after the commencement date, the NZSPA is treated as a party to the agreement or deed in place of the Crown. 220 Transfer of property to NZSPA 1 This clause applies to property that— a is owned by the Crown immediately before the commencement date; and b relates to a transferred function; and c the Secretary notifies the NZSPA is property to which this clause applies. 2 On and after the commencement date, the property vests in the NZSPA. 3 Despite subclause (1) , this clause does not apply to Crown land held for education purposes or purposes incidental to those purposes. 221 Other consequences of transfer Nothing effected or authorised by clauses 215 to 220 — a places the Crown, the Ministry, the Secretary, or any other person in breach of contract or confidence or otherwise makes them liable for a civil wrong; or b gives rise to a right for any person to— i terminate or cancel or modify an agreement or deed; or ii enforce or accelerate the performance of an obligation; or iii require the performance of an obligation not otherwise arising for performance; or c places any person in breach of— i information privacy principle 11 set out in section 22 of the Privacy Act 2020; or ii the provisions of any other Act, or any secondary legislation, rule of law, or contractual provision prohibiting, restricting, or regulating the assignment or transfer of property or the disclosure of information; or d releases a surety wholly or in part from any obligation; or e invalidates or discharges any agreement or deed. 2 Consequential amendments In section 32(1), replace the foundation curriculum policy statements and the with any . In regulation 4, revoke the definitions of authority , licensed hostel , and owner . In the following provisions, replace authority with Director of Regulation in each place: 1 regulation 5(2): 2 regulation 6(1): 3 regulation 9(1) and (2): 4 regulation 12: 5 regulation 15(1), (1A), and (5): 6 regulation 16(1) and (2): 7 regulations 17 to 20: 8 regulation 21(3): 9 regulation 22(2): 10 regulations 23 and 24: 11 regulation 27(1): 12 regulation 28: 13 regulation 29(2): 14 regulation 31: 15 regulation 32(1) and (3): 16 regulation 33: 17 regulations 35 and 36: 18 regulation 37(1) to (3): 19 regulation 40: 20 regulation 41(1) and (2): 21 regulation 42(1): 22 regulation 43(1) and (2): 23 regulation 58(3) and (5): 24 regulation 61(2A): 25 regulation 70(2): 26 regulation 71(1): 27 regulation 72(2) and (3): 28 the Schedule. In the headings to regulations 12, 15, 18, and 41 replace Authority with Director of Regulation . In the headings to regulations 35 and 40, replace authority with Director of Regulation . In the heading to regulation 71, replace authority’s with Director of Regulation’s . In the following provisions, replace authority’s with Director of Regulation’s in each place: a regulation 15(5): b regulation 72. In regulation 21(2), delete foundation curriculum policy statements and national . In regulation 7(1)(d)(iii), replace the foundation curriculum policy statements and with any . In regulation 10(1)(a), delete foundation curriculum policy statements and .

Hansard

May 19, 2026

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill — Committee of the whole House · Full day report

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill Committee of the whole House Part 1 Amendments to principal Act, and Schedule 1 CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): Members, we come now to the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill, and we begin with the debate on Part 1. Part 1 is the debate on clauses 4 to 56—“Amendments to principal Act”—and Schedule 1. The question is that Part 1 stand part. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (20:22): Good evening, Madam Chair. Just before we begin the committee’s discussion, I wanted to, once again, thank the members of the public who took time to provide feedback on the bill, and I also acknowledge the members of this committee who are sitting on the Education and Workforce Committee. The feedback we received has been extremely helpful for better understanding the range of viewpoints and shaping a more structured and informed decision. As I mentioned during the second reading, this bill sets out an important system level reform to clarify roles and responsibilities across our education system and to ensure it can effectively support schools, teachers, and learners. Alongside the bill, I also welcome discussion on the A…
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Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill Committee of the whole House Part 1 Amendments to principal Act, and Schedule 1 CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): Members, we come now to the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill, and we begin with the debate on Part 1. Part 1 is the debate on clauses 4 to 56—“Amendments to principal Act”—and Schedule 1. The question is that Part 1 stand part. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (20:22): Good evening, Madam Chair. Just before we begin the committee’s discussion, I wanted to, once again, thank the members of the public who took time to provide feedback on the bill, and I also acknowledge the members of this committee who are sitting on the Education and Workforce Committee. The feedback we received has been extremely helpful for better understanding the range of viewpoints and shaping a more structured and informed decision. As I mentioned during the second reading, this bill sets out an important system level reform to clarify roles and responsibilities across our education system and to ensure it can effectively support schools, teachers, and learners. Alongside the bill, I also welcome discussion on the Amendment Paper that was introduced. I believe these are changes that are required now. They look to address recent reports which made concerning findings about the Teaching Council’s performance, ongoing concerns about the lack of visibility and assurance of the progress and wellbeing of home-educated learners, as well as recommendations from the royal commission of inquiry into abuse in care. I previously expressed my concern that current workforce settings, including those for initial teacher education, are not getting the best outcomes for the delivery of high-quality teaching. The bill shifts responsibility for the professional standard setting from the Teaching Council to the Ministry of Education. This will support better alignment of policy and standard setting and is consistent with other jurisdictions, such as England and Singapore, where standard setting and regulatory functions are separate. Since the bill’s introduction, two reports have been published with concerning findings about the Teaching Council. The Debbie Francis report and the Public Service Commission’s review have highlighted serious shortcomings in the Teaching Council’s leadership, culture, purpose, and priorities. I’m particularly concerned about the finding that the council has inadequate focus on child protection and safety. This should be its top priority. These reports make it clear that meaningful performance improvements are required, in addition to the changes in the bill, to ensure the council can deliver on its core responsibilities of student safety and quality teaching. That is why the Amendment Paper proposes five further changes to the Teaching Council, focused on elevating the role of child safety in the council’s statutory purpose; strengthening reporting and monitoring arrangements for the council; requiring the council to give effect to Government policy directions, while also confirming the independence of the council’s decision making on individual cases; changing council membership from seven to nine members appointed by the Minister and changing the threshold for removal of appointed council members to be at the Minister’s discretion; and setting appointment term limits for the council’s chief executive. While these changes will strengthen oversight and accountability, I want to be clear that the Teaching Council remains statutorily independent. The council will retain its responsibility for teacher registration and certification, as well as confidence and conduct processes. I consider these changes are necessary to focus the council on its core responsibilities to restore confidence and ensure the council fulfils its role in the public interest. The Amendment Paper also proposes strengthening the oversight of home education. Those seeking to home educate will be required to meet certain requirements, prescribed in regulations, to maintain an exemption from enrolment in a registered school. I’m progressing this change in response to ongoing concerns about the lack of visibility and assurance around the quality of home education and educational progress and wellbeing of some home-educated learners. The number of home-educated learners has increased, but we lack adequate tools to assess the quality of their learning or to intervene where needed. The proposed changes include a new power to make regulations that will set out what needs to be done to maintain an exemption from enrolling in a registered school. The regulations will provide specific requirements around the regulatory and content of reporting and may also include other requirements, such as assessment. The changes draw on public feedback and testing with the Education Review Office and Ministry of Education regional staff who work closely with home-educated families. The ministry will also consult with the home-education seeker on the development of the regulations before these are finalised to ensure the new requirements are workable. Another important change in the Amendment Paper is the proposal to make school hostels subject to the same legal requirements for physical restraints that currently apply to schools. Regulation of physical restraint in hostels has been less stringent than it is for schools. Hostels are currently left to set their own policies for the use of physical restraint. The royal commission of inquiry into abuse in care recommended ensuring that there are adequate frameworks to govern restrictive practices for children and young people in care to minimise their use, limit them to last-resort situations, and ensure appropriate safeguards and checks. The proposed changes align hostels with the tighter safeguards in schools by only allowing the use of physical restraint to prevent imminent harm by trained staff with clear reporting and protections for boarders. In practice, I know that most hostels are already applying the same physical-restraint guidelines that apply to schools. This change brings the law up to date with existing practice. The ministry will consult the hostels before the rules are updated to ensure they are appropriate for the hostel context. In closing, the measures in this bill strengthen the foundations of our education system and improve the support that it provides across the sector. I welcome questions members may have. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green) (20:28): Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for that brief introduction, Minister. I wanted to first just check with you, Madam Chair. We are intending to go through the bill because Part 1 is the substantial part, and we’re intending on doing it clause by clause. But we are also noting that, just this morning, the Minister, as the Minister has expressed, released a new amendment book that also has quite a few changes as well, which we want to explore as well, noting that the amendment, despite the Minister’s introduction, has had no public consultation or feedback at this stage. CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): That’s correct. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN: With that in mind, I’m going to start with clause 4, “Section 9 amended (Te Tiriti o Waitangi)”, which mention that the “School Property Agency must support the Crown in its responsibility to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi;”. Minister, as you can see, I’ve got a couple of amendments. We, understandably, would want the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, yet we don’t see that as an agency that’s named in section 6 of the Education and Training Act, which is around “Statement of expectations”. Essentially, section 6 is where the Minister of Education and also the Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti may provide joint statements which affect a particular agency’s operations around anything that affects Te Tiriti o Waitangi or touches on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. All of the other Crown entities are named in that list in section 6 but not NZSPA. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority is. The Tertiary Education Commission is. Education New Zealand even is. I wondered what the rationale was behind not including that in section 6 of the bill. That is my first question. Now, moving on to clause 5, “Section 10 amended (Interpretation)”—again, there are quite a few bits, Madam Chair, and so I think that in order for me to work our way through and in a really logical and sensible way, we are doing it clause by clause, which means there are some potentially out-of-alignment themes, because, for example, the Teaching Council touches on multiple clauses and the School Properties Agency touches on multiple clauses. But in the interests of going steadily, I will be intending on doing it clause by clause. When we are looking at clause 5, “Section 10 amended (Interpretation)”, my first question is this. It is often also common practice when we have specific dates that are relevant to a section only to be part of a definition for that section, as opposed to being a broader interpretation. I’m referring to the whole package of dates that are only pertaining to section 212 of the Act, around charter schools. I’ve got a couple of amendments, if the Minister wouldn’t mind considering this, which move those same definitions into the charter school section of the bill, as opposed to keeping it in the broader scope, because then, potentially, you are touching on every aspect—all 669 sections and 26 schedules—of the Education and Training Act. Moving along, in terms of the next part, it is my amendment around education property. This is Amendment Paper 604, and it has been released. I wanted to check this with the Minister. As the Minister would of course know, section 212R of the Education and Training Act suggests that charter schools can also sit on Crown land, and so I’m curious to know why there is no part of anything to do with the School Property Agency—the NZSPA. We’re going to just abbreviate that for the time being. The NZSPA has no relevance to do with charter schools, and so in this case, which is education property, after new paragraph (a), Amendment Paper 604 introduces new paragraph (aa), which says, “occupied or used by a charter school in accordance with section 212R”. I ask whether that’s something that the Minister would consider. Finally, just for the time being—because, again, there are a lot of sections to clause 5, as well—the last thing I wanted to touch on the fact that I have an amendment on school property portfolios. The definition says, “means land, buildings, or associated infrastructure”, and I wanted to check whether “land” explicitly includes “fixture”, as well. If the ministerial intent includes fixture, then ignore the amendment. Otherwise, I would ask the Minister to consider the amendment. Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) (20:33): Thank you very much, Madam Chair. In a minute, I’ll speak to my first amendment, which was time-stamped at 4:30:38. I’ve just checked my email inbox and I’ve had a number of emails from people who are now aware that the Minister of Education’s Amendment Paper 583 contains quite a few changes that have not had the ability for people to submit on—the changes, for example, to remove all of the democratically elected positions on the Teaching Council. That change came subsequent to the select committee, and there is also the ability for the Minister herself to determine not only what is in the curriculum—what she’s teaching our children—but also how they will be taught. That is determined by the Minister. There were several emails from families where they have children who are home-schooled and who have multiple, different issues, including some families who have neurodiverse children. They are really concerned that they’ve failed to have the democratic right of actually submitting on this legislation, and so I look forward to hearing from the Minister: are we able to read out some of these submissions, or what is the process for New Zealanders impacted by this bill who haven’t had that opportunity to provide any comment or any feedback on these changes before they’re legislated for? I’d like to speak to my amendment that is in relation to clause 5 in Part 1. This amendment proposes to amend the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill, clause 5(3). It proposes to repeal the definition of “initial teacher education programme” in the Education and Training Act, which currently states that “initial teacher education programme means a training programme recognised by the Teaching Council as suitable for people who want to teach”. Now, when the Minister stood up and spoke, she referred to a couple of different reports on the Teaching Council. She referred to the Debbie Francis report, and she also referred to the Public Service Commission (PSC) report, which was pretty explicit in and around conflicts of interest. I actually have the section here that is in the PSC report. It says, at paragraph 31, that “Conflicts of interest involving public functions and money rightly attract a high degree of scrutiny. The public should be confident that those exercising public functions, and using public money, do so for the right reasons and are not influenced by favouritism or personal benefit. Effective management of contracts and conflicts of interest is critical to maintain trust in public organisations. It is therefore fundamental that organisations in the public sector get this right.” The Minister is well aware that this amendment that I’m proposing shows that the current chair of the Teaching Council also has their own teacher-training institute, which received $5 million of funding through advocacy—whether it’s through her or through the Tertiary Education Commission Minister. My question is: if this is the paragraph from the report that she’s referred to about the Teaching Council, about conflicts of interest and public functions, how can she reconcile the fact that the current chair of the Teaching Council appears to be conflicted by the very standard she has set in the reports from the Public Service Commission and from Debbie Francis? We’d be really interested to hear how someone who is responsible for regulating the teaching profession is also able to profit at the same time through their own private teacher-training institute, which received $5 million of Government funding. I would be very interested to hear the Minister’s views on that. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (20:37): None of that has anything to do with the bill, and I won’t be discussing it. Can I just start by saying just in relation to Lawrence Xu-Nan’s question about land, about whether it covers fixtures. The answer is that land does cover fixtures, and so I’m glad to clear that up. Can I also answer the question on clause 6 about the listed entities. The reason that this won’t be listed is because it is not a general direction on all of its business around the Treaty; it is just in relation to Treaty settlements. If we look at the relevant clause in the bill, it is very clear that the School Property Agency has duties, and those duties arise around the fact that school property can be on land that is owned by iwi that has been part of a settlement process or land that may be part of a settlement process. That’s why it relates only to that and it is not on all of its business. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green) (20:38): Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to pick up where the Minister of Education left off. I understand that particular interpretation, but if you are looking at a section of the bill—and I apologise, Madam Chair, because we happen to be discussing this, and I’m jumping ahead just slightly. If you’re looking at clause 42, new Subpart 5A—and this is around the New Zealand School Property Agency. New section 517F(1)(h) says, “support the Crown in its responsibility to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including by—”. The definition does not mean just that. The words “including by” doesn’t necessarily imply, from a statutory interpretation perspective, new subparagraph (i) and (ii); it does consider more broadly in terms of giving effect to Te Tiriti. I just wanted to make sure that in that case, the ministerial intent will be different from how the bill has been drafted, and so I wanted to check on that. The other thing I want to address is what my colleague the Hon Ginny Andersen has suggested. I want to just pick up on one particular part—and I will discuss this more fully in terms of the bill itself—but when it comes to the changes that we’re making to home-schooling, I’ve noticed in the regulatory impact statement there’s been no consultation. Can I check with the Minister? Has the Minister consulted with the National Council of Home Educators NZ? That’s another question for the Minister to consider. Now, staying with clause 5, “Section 10 amended”, I want to check with the Minister in terms of my new amendment, which should be arriving—or has arrived—at some stage; apologies to all in the committee because, again, we only saw the Amendment Paper this morning, so there was limited time for us to draft amendments on the amendment. Minister, in there, you have suggested additional, I guess, broadening of scope in terms of child safety, particularly when it comes to restraining, etc. That expands to school hostels, which I think is an important thing to consider. I wondered, Minister, if you have at any point considered also homestays, because, again, as the Minister would know, when it comes to homestays, particularly in regards to international students—and particularly in regards to international students under the age of 18—in the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, they are also able to stay in homestays, but we don’t see this similar requirement when it comes to homestays. My new amendment that should be here is also just inserting what the Minister has done in regards to licensed hostels, to also include homestays. If that’s something that the Minister could consider, that will be great. Now, that is where we are at in terms of clause 5(1). I want to now move on to clause 5— CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): Just before you do, Mr Xu-Nan, could you clarify the number of that amendment? Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN: The new amendment doesn’t have a number yet because I literally gave it to the committee about 25 minutes ago. CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): Ah, that’s OK. Thank you. It’s just we have lots of them, so I need to keep track. Thank you. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN: It’s one of the three currently unnumbered ones that I’m aware of. CHAIRPERSON (Barbara Kuriger): Great, thank you. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN: Just in terms of clause 5(1A)—and I’m going to ask this as a broad question for the time being, because we can then go down to the specifics of the individual sections and wording—but just the broad aspects of the changes and the moving of the Director of Regulation from currently sitting under the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office (ERO), as well as absorbing and incorporating additional functions to do with early childhood education, private schools, as well as hostels, that bill just passed at the end of last year. I know there’s an Acting Director of Regulation, but that role hasn’t really had time to truly embed, or knowing of any sort of evaluation of that particular position. What was the rationale of actually moving all of that, and including incorporating all of that—not just the early childhood section but also private schools and hospitals in that? I think it’s prudent at this stage, while things are settling, if the Minister wanted to just move the Director of Regulation into ERO as an initial period without additional powers and a scope of powers. I would understand that, but having all of those, including additional powers, seems premature at this stage. I just want to check with the Minister regarding the rationale for that, and I’m going to leave it at that. Just to signal to you, Madam Chair, that’s the end of clauses 4 and 5 for me. Thank you. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (20:43): Thank you. Look, regarding the home-schooling, we are going to be doing full consultation with the sector on the regulations when they are set. Can I also just make a point that I should have said in my opening address, and that is that Minister Seymour will be here at 9.30 p.m. for the bits of the bill that relate to his part. I’m happy to try and answer them where I can, but he will be here and can give you fulsome answers. Regarding homestays, they are covered by a code of practice on international student wellbeing. We can’t regulate behaviour in private homes, but it has its own separate code of practice and isn’t part of this bill, and we won’t be including it by your amendment. Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) (20:44): Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I’d like to speak to my tabled amendment 4.30.39, which relates to clause 6. This tabled amendment amends the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill. It repeals section 44 of the Education and Training Act 2020. This particular area outlines under which conditions the Secretary for Education may grant a certificate to exempt a student from attendance. To repeal section 44 without acting to address the root causes as to why such an exemption may be needed is to misunderstand the issue of non-attendance entirely. This was one of the parts of the bill that did get to have submissions on it. Some of the submissions received—particularly from principals, actually—made the point that that power should sit with school principals because there is a clearer understanding of some of the underpinning issues of not attending school. That’s, really, the underpinning idea of this amendment. The problem we have is that, while the Minister will well be aware that attendance has slightly improved in some of higher socio-economic areas, in parts of South Auckland, for example, we have one in four Pasifika students who is not attending school. We’ve actually seen a drop-off at the other end: lower socio-economic areas are having lower attendance in the past year. The view is—and I’d be interested to hear the Minister’s words—that surely those school communities would be best placed to understand some of those underpinning reasons why students may not be attending school. From speaking with some of those principals, they would say that every individual case can be quite different, that there might be mental health issues for a parent in one family; there may be family violence issues; there may be issues around affording petrol or the cost of living. Each individual family has its own reasons as to why their child may not be attending school regularly. A more bespoke understanding of those issues actually is the best way of increasing attendance and making it work properly, so I would like her views on my tabled amendment 4.30.39. I’d just also like to pick up that I appreciate the Minister has stated that the conflicts of interest in and around the Teaching Council were, she said, nothing to do with this bill, but, in fact, the Minister did stand up at the beginning of this debate and highlight and refer to the two different reports on the Teaching Council that were specifically in and around conflicts of interest. My understanding was that part of the reason for the reforms to the Teaching Council that we’re debating tonight was to prevent those conflicts of interests occurring again in the future. Please, correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought that was part of the reason for this legislation. If we have a current chair of the Teaching Council who clearly has a conflict of interest, is it that the Minister simply doesn’t want to acknowledge that conflict of interest, or maybe she thinks that profiting and regulating the teaching profession simultaneously is acceptable? There are many people in New Zealand who do not think that is acceptable, so I think the Minister might want to reconsider her view that it has nothing to do with this bill, because I think it’s actually right at the heart of what this bill does. If we’re not prepared to talk about the elephant in the room, which is the current conflict of interest that sits with the existing chair of the Teaching Council, it seems to be double standards. If there have been two reports that have identified a conflict and someone has been removed in the past from the Teaching Council, why do those same standards not apply with the case of the current chair of the Teaching Council? Given this very bill, at the last minute, is removing all of the democratically elected positions on that Teaching Council, you could even argue that he has more power than he did before. I’d be interested to hear the Minister’s views on that. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (20:49): In relation to exemptions by principals, exemptions will still be granted by principals, but the Secretary for Education will set the rules and criteria and the evidence required for the principals to grant an exemption from attendance. It also removes the five-day rule as well, to allow a little bit more flexibility, but, essentially, the changes in this bill are focused on bringing clarity and consistency, ensuring that principals and schools are clear about what is expected of them. I know that principals are concerned that the changes over attendance exemptions will not adequately reflect student circumstances and needs, but I want to assure those principals that when the ministry develops the rules, they will do this in consultation with the sector but they will set out when exemptions can be used, the grounds for the exemption, the type of evidence a principal must receive, and the duration of the exemption. Regarding the member’s other claims, I’m not going to be commenting on baseless allegations that are not part of this bill. I will not be speaking to them. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green) (20:50): Thank you, Mr Chair. Now, as I suggested before, I do apologise. There is one thing that I want to address, I think in clause—oh, no; I’m good. I have said to the previous Chair that I am through with my questions for clause 4 and clause 5. However, I would like to draw the Minister of Education’s attention—I appreciate the Minister’s response in terms of the fact that that will get—actually, I’m going to stop that conversation right there because it potentially touches on a particular part of Standing Orders, but I appreciate the Minister’s previous response. I would like to draw the Minister’s attention to my amendment which is 19 May, 5.10.07, and also 5.10.08. This is with regards to my new clause 4AAA, section 7 and section 8 amended, on “Tertiary education strategy” and “International education strategy”. Now, I want to check with the Minister, in terms of the tertiary education strategy, whether there’s any particular reason, as we see in other areas, why universities, vocational education and training institutions, and relevant PTEs—private training establishments—are not considered as a part of the group that needs to be explicitly mentioned as bodies that the Minister responsible must consult with before making any significant amendment to the strategy. My amendment simply specifies additional groups or bodies that should be consulted as a part of the tertiary education strategy in a broader education system reform bill. On top of that, I also think that while it’s important we look at the economic, social, and environmental goals, we should also consider the cultural goals as part of the tertiary education strategy as well. So I want to check with the Minister if she would be open to that. Now, on to my amendment 5.10.08 on section 8 amended, “International education strategy”. Again, we’re seeing in other areas where, for example, the Tertiary Education Commission, for the tertiary education strategy, is explicitly mentioned as a group that should be consulted as a part of the tertiary education strategy, yet we don’t see the same Crown entity that is in charge of international—indeed, the Crown agency that is actually responsible for implementing the international education strategy, i.e. Education New Zealand, being explicitly mentioned as a body that should be consulted with. So my amendment in 5.10.08 simply just adds Education New Zealand as also an explicit group that should be consulted. Now, on to clause 6 of the bill. The previous speaker, the Hon Ginny Andersen, has already mentioned in terms of the broader implications of repealing section 44. I do have an Amendment Paper on that that suggests that we don’t repeal it yet—again, simply because we don’t know the scope of impact that potentially would have. I guess, on that, particularly when it comes to the impact it will have for rural communities and rural parents, I want to check with the Minister if the repealing of section 44 has—has the Minister consulted with rural communities such as Federated Farmers, etc., and other organisations that potentially would like to weigh in on that section? Now, moving on to clause 8, I want to draw the Minister’s attention to my Amendment Paper 613. We see that the secretary is now able to make rules on exemption from attendance as opposed to principals having the discretion to make some of those exemptions, but what I’m not seeing in terms of clause 8 of this bill is around specific criteria that is required for the secretary to make those kinds of rules around exemptions. So my Amendment Paper 613 simply lists some potentially broader rules that should be considered—I think some of them have already been touched on by the previous speaker, the Hon Ginny Andersen. We’re looking at specific needs of the school; specific needs of a community; the equity index of a school; the impact on certain communities such as disabled communities, Māori communities, and Pasifika communities—whether that is something the Minister would be open to. So I’m going to leave that there, but just signalling to you, Chair, that, with that, I’m ready to move on to between clause 8 and 9 and whatever happens in between. Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) (20:55): Thank you very much, Mr Chair. I just have another point in relation to another amendment, 4.30.40, to clause 8. In clause 8, inserting new section 46(1), my amendment proposes to delete the part which reads “which must be consistent with this Act”. Now, this tabled amendment amends the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill. Clause 8 outlines that the Secretary for Education— CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): Sorry, what number was that again? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: 4.30.40. I think it’s the time—each of them has been labelled with the time that they were lodged. So, 4 hours 30, and 40 seconds—that’s the way it’s written on my paper. Clause 8 outlines that the Secretary for Education may in fact make rules that must be met for a principal to exempt a student. Removing the part that requires that these rules must be consistent with this Act would allow the Secretary for Education to create rules that take into account specific circumstances. The amendment bill currently under consideration does not take into account any of the root causes of non-attendance, so this making of rules consistent with the Act could therefore be counter-productive. I’m really interested to understand the Minister of Education’s perspective, because this provision here in clause 8 is emblematic of a bill that’s actually removing local control of anything to do with children’s education. I would’ve thought the Minister, who wants to see an improvement to children’s performance, to children’s educational achievement—that enabling a full understanding of some of the factors in their own areas that are impacting on their ability to learn, and one of those, no doubt, is the school community, the school principal, and teachers having a clear understanding and some say over what those factors are around attendance. This legislation is just one part where what we’re seeing is a top-down approach where the ability for decision making, the ability to understand children and respond, is being removed and taken up to a higher level, to a ministerial or Secretary for Education level. My concern is that clause 8 is just one more example of our education system being compartmentalised in a way that prevents young people from actually getting the good education so that they’ll be able to succeed well in life. If their own teachers, if their own local communities aren’t able to respond to some of the circumstances that young people are going through, then that potentially removes the ability for teachers, for parents, for those local communities to have a positive impact. So I’m really interested to hear why the Minister thinks a top-down approach is better in education and why removing decision making, local autonomy, and local communities being able to have a say over what’s happening in their schools—why that is a better pathway for New Zealand to go down. We know that there are examples overseas where some of these reforms have been implemented and over time we have seen a widening of existing inequalities, a widening and a further entrenching of inequalities, and my fear—and my amendment is for that reason—is that by removing the ability of teachers and principals to have an input around non-attendance and have a local response, having it taken out of their hands and having it overseen by Wellington, that actually removes the ability for those schools to take ownership and respond accordingly to make sure that kids are getting the best education they can. I’d be interested to hear the Minister’s rationale for removing that local autonomy. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:00): My fear and my concern is that kids aren’t turning up to school, and if they don’t turn up to school, their performance will suffer. It is this Government’s intention to make sure that young people are turning up to school so that they can learn and be at Curriculum and live the life that they deserve. Now, it’s important to this Government that we tighten the criteria around exemptions from attendance. As I’ve already explained, the Secretary for Education will set the guidance around those exemptions and the evidence that’s required. For example, it may be the fact that, if a child is sick for an elongated period of time, some form of evidence may be required. That will be set by the Secretary for Education. I wouldn’t presuppose the types of things that she will require or the criteria that she will put in place, but this is designed to set clear expectations that the number one priority is that we get our kids to school. That may not have been the top priority for the previous Government, but it’s certainly ours. In terms of the tabled amendment, we won’t be supporting it. All statutory powers have to be consistent with the purpose of the Act, so there is no need to add this amendment. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green) (21:01): Thank you, Mr Chair. I did notice that I’m still waiting for the responses to some of my questions and also my amendments from the Minister. I do want to move on to my next amendment. I’m actually really glad to hear what the Minister has just said in terms of looking at students’ ability to participate, whether it is in class or out of the classroom, and also in terms of work experience and visiting outside of the premises, as far as we’re looking at students being at school, so I’m glad to hear what the Minister said. I want to draw the Minister’s attention to two of my tabled amendments—19 May for both; 5.10.17 and 5.10.18. They are inserting clause 8A, “Section 53 amended”, and inserting clause 8A, “Section 82 amended”. The first one in terms of clause 8A, “Section 53 amended”, is around courses, work experience, and visiting outside the school. I want to check with the Minister—and potentially the Minister has a good response for this—why does section 53(5)(a) specify that a student who is currently on work experience, particularly, or an apprenticeship is demonstratively ineligible for, or is not entitled to, payment? I want to check with the Minister why that particular phrasing of section 53(5)(a) is. My recommendation, my amendment, which would replace the word “entitle” with “require”—which also we would see in that particular section around section 53(5)—would allow the ability for our students to, potentially, be paid as part of their work experience. I want to know the overall rationale for why, if a student is getting work experience, they cannot be paid. My next amendment is “Section 82 amended”. This is the one on “Secretary’s powers when excluded students aged under 16 years”. Now, the Minister just mentioned before in terms of the ideas to get students to school, which I agree with. I completely agree, but when we’re looking at this section, basically, only the secretary is able to allow for the exclusion of a student under the age of 16, under section 82, but there is nothing in section 82 that specifies that the secretary must first be satisfied that the board of a State school or a sponsor has excluded a student aged under 16 years after all possible intervention under section 81 has been exhausted. There seems to be no requirement for the secretary when approving the exclusion of a student under the age of 16 to say, “Oh, we’ve seen that the school has tried everything else, all other forms of interventions, all facilitations, etc., before making a decision.” It could just simply be that it’s implied within section 82. If that is the case, I hope the Minister wouldn’t mind specifying that so we can have it on record. Now, let us move on to clause 9 of the bill when it comes to “Curriculum statements and national performance measures”. I want to start by saying that one of the things that we did have in the bill—and this is something, again, we’ve heard from the submitters as well during the select committee stage—is the ability for schools and communities to have curriculum statements from local curriculum that reflect local tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te ao Māori. Now, if the Minister says, “Well, that is still implied”, that’s not so much what we’re seeing here, because, again, like the previous speaker, the Hon Ginny Andersen, has stated, the way that things have been changed is that everything is at a national level, and there is no room, as far as I can see, within “Section 90 amended”, that allows the space for local curriculum to develop. That was something that came through quite clearly as part of the select committee stage as well. I think, with that, I’m done with my questions up until clause 9, and I’m happy to move on to clause 10. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:06): In relation to the question about work experience and the member’s tabled amendment, this is a longstanding section of the Act. It’s not something we’ve looked at. It gets into employment law, so we’re not accepting the amendment. In relation to the Curriculum, the intention of this part is to take the two existing curriculum statements that set out the what and the how and to combine them into one. That is the change. Now, I’m not entirely sure what the member’s question is getting at, but I don’t think that it’s relevant to this bill. All this is doing is taking two existing curriculum statements and putting them into one. The member’s question around what goes in the Curriculum is not a part of this bill, but I would make the point that there has always been in the Education Act—for a very long time; since 1989, I think—the ability of the Minister to issue curriculum statements. That’s not changing. It’s just that we’re combining those two into one Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) (21:07): Thank you very much, Mr Chair. I’m on to clause 9. I actually have four separate amendments in relation to clause 9 of the bill, and they are 4.30.41, 4.30.42, 4.30.43, and 4.30.44. As Lawrence Xu-Nan has already stated, this part of the bill allows the Minister herself to determine what students are to be taught and how they are to be assessed. That goes quite far beyond the current Act and, essentially, allows the Minister to give directions. It’s the view of many people, not just inside this Chamber, that that’s outrageous overreach and gives the Minister far too much power over what our children learn and how they learn it, so there are some proposals to amend this overreach in terms of deleting clause 9 or deleting clause 9(1), and even my third paper, 4.30.43, gives some helpful hints as to where the right direction might be. One for the Minister to consider is that the Minister could consider winding that back slightly in providing foundational curriculum policy statements, which are statements of policy concerning teaching, learning, and assessment that are made for the purposes of underpinning and giving direction to the way in which the Curriculum and assessment responsibilities are to be managed in schools. That’s explicitly provided for in 4.30.43. Another is that national curriculum statements are locally developed curricula. They are statements in areas of knowledge and understanding to be covered by students during the years of schooling. My tabled amendment provides the skills to be developed by students during the years of schooling and desirable levels of knowledge and understanding and skill to be received by students during the years of schooling; and national performance measures, which are targets against which the performance of boards can then be measured if required. This tabled amendment takes away that the Minister is determining exactly what students are to be taught and how they are to be assessed, and it restores a level of local autonomy not just for schools but for the profession as well to enable that level of professional expertise to be utilised. I’d be really interested to know whether the Minister thinks she herself is an expert; if this bill gives her a power to determine what our children are being taught, and exactly how that teaching is being delivered. Is it her view that she knows better than someone who is a trained professional? I’d be interested to know what experience or background she’s gained in order that she’s somehow got this knowledge-rich ability to determine, greater than anyone who’s professionally trained, exactly what our children should be taught and how they are going to be taught. I wonder whether it was when she was putting together some episodes of Piha Rescue that she picked up some of the skills that enabled her to then determine what our children should be taught and how they were going to be taught—because we’re all at a loss to understand how the Minister can appoint herself to be the sole determiner of what is in the Curriculum of our kids and how it’s going to be delivered, when it appears the only advice she’s got is from a very small select group of Auckland principals that have her ear. That leaves the rest of New Zealand wondering how we’ve ended up with this bill. I’m interested to hear, out of my four amendments—4.30.41, 4.30.42, 4.30.43, and 4.30.44—if the Minister would like to wind back some of her autonomy on determining what exactly our children learn and how they should learn it. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:11): Firstly, the member is 100 percent, entirely wrong. It has always been, since 1989, the ability of the Minister to set and revoke and amend curriculum statements. Nothing is changing, and it was exactly the same, in fact, when the previous Minister of Education, Minister Chris Hipkins, gazetted the new history curriculum in exactly the same manner. I’d point out that his qualifications and education are probably much the same as mine. I just would maybe say to the member: it’s just not nice or polite to make nasty comments around my background, because I certainly wouldn’t do that about them. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green) (21:12): Thank you, Mr Chair. I want to move on to clause 10, Minister. This is around the “Review of national curriculum statements by Secretary”. Now, a couple of things I want to check. “In conducting a review, the Secretary must have regard to”—this is clause new section 90A, subsection (3), inserted by clause 10. I want to check a few things with subsections (a), (b), and (c). The first point is that there is nothing in here—and I’m now looking at my Amendment Paper 617, which inserts a new subsection (3)(d). I think, as part of the review process, what’s really missing—like the previous speaker Hon Ginny Andersen has said—is when the secretary reviews the national Curriculum, nothing in here states that they actually need to consult with the sector or take the experience of the sector on board. My Amendment Paper 617 simply says that the secretary must have regard to—which also, let’s make it very clear, does not say “give effect to”; “must have regard to”, so then you consider but it doesn’t need to be taken on board, which is fine—but, in that case, my Amendment Paper just says “relevant school sector experience, for example, from educators, principals, and teachers.” CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): What was the number of your Amendment Paper? Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN: Amendment Paper 617. I also want to note that all three are defined terms under section 10 of the Education and Training Act, and I had to go through all of the definitions to make sure that I made the relevant definitions that are actually in order. So, yes, I want to check whether the Minister would consider my amendment for that, just so that there is reassurance from the sector that they’re also going to be consulted by the secretary, or that the secretary will have regard for their experience. Also, at the same time, I just want to note as well that I have asked the Minister a number of questions around my amendments for other parts of a particular section and I haven’t really received a lot of responses for some of the other sections. I do want to point out something the Minister said, which is that it’s not in the bill, but as we have seen in terms of the Minister’s Amendment Paper 583, new sections actually could just be added or changed as required—since this is, after all, a system reform, which means that everything in the Education and Training Act could be considered as part of the scope of that potential system reform. I do want to hear from the Minister regarding my other amendments, as well, which are in scope. The other two areas I want to touch on in terms of new section 90A(3) is subsection (3)(b): “relevant evidence, for example, from new developments in educational research”. Now, I am looking at my Amendment Paper 615; there’s nothing in there that says those new developments need to be peer reviewed. That is important, because as an academic, anything that is not peer reviewed by credible sources is not credible, so by just saying “new developments in education research”, there is no confidence in the quality and the robustness of that particular research that could be used by the secretary for Curriculum changes or any sort of Curriculum review. That is concerning from an academic perspective, so my Amendment Paper simply just suggests to the Minister that we should, for both specificity and also clarity, include the word “peer reviewed” as a part of that. Finally, in a similar vein, when we’re looking at new subsection (3)(c), “international practice relating to the setting of curricula”, I think, in this case, it’s best that particular section is removed from this bill. Now, the reason I say that is there is nothing limiting the secretary from consulting beyond what is (a), (b), and (c)—potentially; the Minister can tell me that. But, by drawing specifically on and mentioning in the legislation “international practice relating to the setting of curricula”, potentially, we lose out on what makes Aotearoa unique and our unique history and culture, because international practice may not be appropriate in the context of Aotearoa. I think it’s actually important for us to not have that there. Of course, the secretary can always refer to international best practice, to international evidence. Nothing is stopping the secretary from doing that, but explicitly mentioning it seems out of step with what we should really be doing here, which is looking at what works for our students and our kids. This is something we have mentioned before, that students—and you have seen, again, I’m drawing on developments in educational research, as well—learn better when they can relate to the material better. International practice may simply not be relevant or relatable for our students, which then would affect and impair their learning. I want to check those three amendments with the Minister. Again, just to specify, those are Amendment Papers 615, 616, and 617. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:18): We won’t be supporting any of those amendments. Can I just start by saying, in terms of the standard of evidence required, that there are operational guidelines in place for the ministry, which ensures that the standard of evidence and research they are using meets the member’s expectations. Can I also say that this is already standard practice; it’s just that we’re putting it into legislation to make sure that, in the future, it continues. It’s something that the ministry has long done, and it has those standards of evidence in place. I want to be clear about this, because the member talked about engagement of young people in the classroom. That is up to the professional judgment of the teacher in the classroom, and that is what they do best: engaging those young people in front of them. The Curriculum is clear about what is taught, but the way that they bring that to life and engage the students in different ways, by bringing all types of context to what they are teaching, is up to the professionalism of the teacher in the class, and so that’s why we won’t be supporting his amendments. Hon PHIL TWYFORD (Labour—Te Atatū) (21:20): Thank you, Mr Chairman. Further to Lawrence Xu-Nan’s comments and questions around clause 10, it probably doesn’t need to be said, but, I think, it’s obvious, I hope, that the Labour Party supports regular curriculum reviews. The objective of constant improvement is one that we all share. But our view, which is shared, really, with the overwhelming majority of submitters, is that the provisions in clause 10 increase ministerial influence at the expense of institutionalised input from educators and independent experts. I would note that 570 submitters commented on this provision, and not a single one supported it at the select committee. Not a single one said this was a good idea. The departmental report says, “the majority of submitters were concerned the bill extends the Minister’s ability to make and amend the curriculum, shifting authority away from educators, and increasing the risk of political influence.” That pretty much nails it. That was the overwhelming sentiment at select committee. My questions for the Minister of Education are as follows. What safeguards exist to ensure that the curriculum reviews remain evidence-led, rather than politically directed? Second, who determines the priorities? I know the subclause says that the secretary must take into account “this and that”, but, other than that, who determines what the priorities are for a particular review? Those things that the secretary must take into account are wide open to interpretation. Any number of things could come into that. Who’s the person or who’s the part of the organisation or the ministry who determines what the specific priorities are for a given review? Does the Minister accept that one of the strengths of the New Zealand Curriculum to this point has been that it’s largely insulated from short-term political cycles and the ideology of whoever happens to be sitting in the seat she occupies right now? This might seem a bit basic, but why is it necessary to replace the kind of stewardship and responsibility of educators and experts with explicit power in the hands of the Minister and her secretary? Does the Minister accept what the New Zealand Principals’ Federation told us at committee, that this clause represents “a fundamental shift from professional sector-led curriculum development to direct ministerial control.”? Does it? Is there any statutory body at all that has any role in checking, giving feedback, or providing any kind of oversight or input into curriculum reviews in the system that she’s putting in place? In new section 90C, are there any consultation obligations that will apply before curriculum review directions are issued? Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:24): I am repeating myself, I think, now for the third time. There is nothing in this bill that shifts any new, extra powers to the Minister; they already existed. There is no change at all. They keep saying that, but it is very clear in the bill that there are no additional ministerial powers. The only thing we are doing, actually, is putting somewhat of a limit on that, which is in practice but not in legislation, about ensuring that these are evidence-led, which was the question by the previous member about ensuring that it’s evidence-led, that is now baked into legislation. Since 1989, there has been the ability of the Minister to set curriculum statements, to revoke them, and to make changes to them. That has not changed. There are no additional powers. I don’t know how many times I have to say it. Hopefully, that is the last. So, no, I don’t agree with those submitters, because there is nothing in this bill that is making those changes. There is wide consultation, as the member may know, going on at the moment, in fact, with the senior secondary curriculum out for a whole consultation. I’d also make the point that it has also been written by the sector. It feels like the members believe that somehow the Minister holds the pen on the curriculum; it is written by experts, by the sector, and, in fact, there are hundreds of writers out there at the moment, writing the senior secondary curriculum, and it is being consulted on at the moment. But I’ll make the point one final time: there is no additional shift or increase or changes, at all, to the Minister’s power to set curriculum statements. I would also make the point if the previous couple of speakers were so intent on removing the Minister’s power to be able to do that, they had the opportunity to do that in 2020 when they created this Act and made all these changes, but they left the power in there since 1989 of the Minister to set curriculum statements, which is exactly what they did when they introduced the history curriculum. That power has not changed. HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE (Te Pāti Māori—Hauraki-Waikato) (21:26): Tēnā rā koe e te Pīka, otirā tēnā rā tātou e te Whare. E tautokotia ana e au ngā kōrero āpiti o āku hoa i tēnei taha a te Pāti Reipa me te Pāti Kākāriki. [Thank you, Mr Speaker; indeed, greetings to us all in the House. I support the additional statements of my colleagues on this side of the Labour Party and the Green Party.] Ko ētehi o aku nā pātai i te pō nei [some of my questions this evening]—some of my questions and some of my concerns within the Education and Training (Systems Reform) Amendment Bill in the committee stage, coming to Part 1, clause 9, the change from, simply “curriculum statements” to “national curriculum statements” does signal a stronger centralised national approach. Our main concerns are: will hapū, iwi, kura ā iwis—specifically coming from a kura ā iwi school, that there’s a specific dialect, there’s specific curriculums that are taught within our kura that we have concerns about that shape localised communities. Clause 9, replacement section 90(1)(a)(i) gives the Minister power to decide what students are to be taught, and 90(1)(a)(ii) allows direction over “how the curriculum is to be taught and learnt”. Some of our concerns around that area are that, obviously, that could affect some kaupapa Māori, and that’s what I’m seeking from the Minister of Education, is to clarify that. That could affect kaupapa Māori teaching methods, wānanga style, learning in collective environments, learning practices. One of those areas specifically in the curriculum is Te Ao Haka. Te Ao Haka is a specific area within education, within the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, where the way that that’s assessed, where they way that that has been performed, the way that is engaged for students is very specific. So making sure that kura Māori, Māori education, the teachers of that specific curriculum still have that self-autonomy to execute that mahi within their students and kura. Another concern is the five-year cycle. The five-year review cycle gives the secretary ongoing power to remove learning areas and subjects. The concerns that I have—or the questions within that are: who sits at the decision-making tables of those five-year reviews? Will Māori knowledge continue to be reviewed through a Crown lens? Will there be iwi and Māori education experts on that panel that can consistently give advice and expertise kōrero within that panel, or within that five-year review cycle, what does that look like for Māori education? Also, some of our concerns are around making sure that hapū, iwi, local kura still have the power to make decisions for their tamaiti, that’s the whole standard approach and structure that we’ve had as a kura ā iwi, also as Aho Matua, as kura kaupapa Māori, and there are huge concerns around having this centralised curriculum national approach. Tēnā rā koe. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:30): I think an answer that will incorporate all of the member Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke’s questions is that the bill clearly allows for different rules for different groups of schools, including kura, Ngā Kura ā Iwi, and Te Rūnanga Nui o Nga Kura Kaupapa Māori. That answers all of her questions. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green) (21:30): Thank you, Mr Chair. One comment, I think, in response to what the Minister of Education said, before I move on to what’s before clause 11A—new clauses 11AAA and clause 11AAB, inserted by Amendment Paper 583. Just in terms of one final comment with regards to clause 10: I think, when we are looking at the development of a national curriculum statement, I acknowledge what the Minister is saying in terms of, look, this is something that’s always been there; we’re just now, basically, codifying it, as in putting it in legislation—something that is a standard practice. But, at the same time, what the Minister could have done, which is why we’ve proposed such amendments, is that we actually have the ability to put in more checks and balances and more ability for transparency and accountability around the curriculum. I think that’s kind of where I’m getting at in terms of my amendments. I’m not saying “either or,” but I’m saying that the system could always be improved. With that, I want to move on to the Minister’s Amendment Paper 583, and this is clause 11AAA and clause 11AAB. This is on page 14, “Section 99 amended” and “Section 100 amended”. This is the first part of some of the changes the Minister has made with regards to things like physical restraint at registered school and also in terms of licensed hostels. At registered schools, we have those sort of checks and balances in terms of those requirements, and the thing that was detailed—I cannot remember the specific section number in the Education and Training Act, but, from memory, preceding section 99, there is a whole list of sections that specify the kind of qualifications and training that the person must go through in order to potentially bypass some of those limits. Can I just check that all of those little things are all captured in clause 11AAA and clause 11AAB? I do see that 11AAA(3) clarifies around the “authorised staff member”, who is trained and authorised to use physical restraint in accordance—but also, you know, only when things are necessary. How is that going to work in a hostel environment as opposed to a school environment? Because, again, that’s quite different. So I just want to check if there’s any additional thinking that’s gone into that. The next thing I want to check with the Minister is my amendment dated 5.11.20 p.m. 19 May 2026—for the benefit of the Minister at this stage, this is also in the pack that says, “66 tabled amendments”—section 103 amended. I have genuine questions about this section, which are about the title of this section, when it says “guidance and counselling”. “Charter schools must receive guidance and counselling and their parents must be told about certain things”. There is nothing in this bill, nor this section, that actually says what “certain things” are, or that even give a definition of “certain things”. So I want to check with the Minister if the Minister wouldn’t mind elucidating the committee on what certain things are. So this is section 103 of the Education and Training Act. But, in there, in terms of the ability to tell “certain things”—ambiguously and also disconcertingly—it should— CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): Excuse me—could you repeat the amendment? Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN: The amendment is 5.10.20 p.m. 19 May 2026. CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): 5.10.20? All right. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN: Yes. It specifies that telling of certain things should only apply to a parent, whereas the preceding section, from memory, also includes things like whānau members or caregiver. I note that sometimes it’s not simply a parent who might be in charge of a child’s wellbeing or care for a child on a day-to-day basis. I’m curious to know why this section doesn’t include whānau members or caregivers. So my amendment simply states that after “parent”, you should also insert “whānau member or a caregiver”. Now, just on to section 11, and this is my last bit for the current contribution. I’m looking at my Amendment Paper 623. Essentially, for this particular amendment, one of the things that has changed with section 91 is now that rather than the State school “must consult”—the Minister previously also said that State school now “informs”. Sorry, I just need a tiny bit more time, Mr Chair, I do apologise. CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): Yep—Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan. Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN: Just one final thing: my amendment is just to ensure that there is some sort of framing or framework around when a school then does decide on a health curriculum. Because now what’s not in section 91 anymore is how and who decides that new curriculum. Is it a school? Is it the ministry and then do it? Like, is it being done on the school; what’s happening in there? But I just want to make sure that my Amendment Paper 623—“after section 91(2) … insert: [new] (2A) In making the content of the health curriculum, the board of a State school”—I’m assuming is the board—“must have regard (without limitation) for: (a) prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993;” and also have regards for consent. Because I think it is important for us to know, when it comes to children’s wellbeing and safety, that any relationship and sexual education contains information on consent and is prohibited from perpetuating harms such as harmful transphobia, homophobia, interphobia, and biphobia that affect people with diverse genders, sexualities, and sexual characteristics. So if the Minister wouldn’t mind addressing that. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:36): I’m getting some advice on the first questions that the member Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan raised, because I just need some advice. But on that last part, I would suggest that the member goes and reads the draft health and PE curriculum. It has “consent” in there for the first time; in fact, I did a press release about it. It’s quite a big deal, and it’s really important that consent is taught. It is in the new curriculum, and I suggest that the member goes and has a look at that. The health curriculum has been written—it has always been a ministry-led curriculum. There’s never been, as far as I’m aware, a health curriculum that has been developed by schools and that doesn’t relate to a national curriculum. So this is us setting the national—or updating and refreshing the existing national curriculum. The changes in this bill are around ensuring that schools aren’t in the middle of quite a difficult situation where they are having to go and consult with their communities. What we’re changing this to is that they just need to say to parents what is in the curriculum. We’re going to be very open about that as well; that’s going to be on the Parent Portal. So we’re setting out in great detail every year what is being—[Interruption] If the member wants to listen, I suggest she just quietens down for a moment, otherwise I’ll sit down and you can ask questions and I won’t answer them. So your choice. Back to Lawrence Xu-Nan. So this curriculum is set and will be gazetted. It’ll be up to schools to then share details of that curriculum with their parent community, but not to have to consult on it. The reason that we have not required this is because it has put schools in a very difficult position because it is very polarising and there are very strongly held views on either side around this. Now, there was a report done by the Education Review Office that talked about this. In fact, I’ve heard from a lot of schools who said, “Thank you very much for not putting us in the middle of a very divisive issue.” So, instead, it’s being very clearly laid out, every single year, what must be taught, and that will be shared. It is out for consultation at the moment. The member who’s been speaking up during my answer—I suggest that if she’s interested in having a say on what’s in it, that, firstly, she reads it and, secondly, she puts in some of her own comments about what she might like to see in it. I’m not sure that that’s happened. I know that consultation has already closed, and I’m not sure whether or not her or her party have put any recommendations in, but if they haven’t, that would be a great shame, given that they have many opinions. Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) (21:40): Thank you very much, Mr Chair. I‘d just like to speak to the amendments I have under clause 10. I think there’s six of them, and I can give you the numbers if you would like: 4.30.45, 4.30.46, 4.30.47, 4.30.48, 4.30.49, and 4.30.50—oh, there’s another one—and 4.30.51. All of those pertain to clause 10, and I’d really like to pick up on the Minister of Education’s comment that she doesn’t think that this bill gives her the power to change the curriculum, that that’s already been around. Because from my reading—and please correct me if I’m wrong— the amendment to section 90 and the insertions of new sections 90A and 90B do represent a fundamental shift from professional, sector-led curriculum development to direct ministerial control. That’s the way I read it. The bill replaces national curriculum statements with curriculum statements, transforming them from frameworks describing what students should learn into prescriptive directives specifying what must be taught and how it is taught. In fact, new section 90A establishes regular reviews, but new section 90B—that’s the important one, 90B, that the Minister could read that part of the bill and explain to me that that doesn’t give her extra powers—allows the Minister to issue or amend a curriculum at any time without any sector input, effectively bypassing any review process. The core issue is not whether the curriculum should provide direction and coherence—it should. The question is whether that direction should come from the collective wisdom of education and some of the people who are in the sector and the communities that it serves, and not from a single political office subject to changing electoral cycles. Underneath that, and my specific amendments relate to that, it’s really undermining Te Tiriti o Waitangi and obligations to mātauranga Māori, because any curriculum framework must protect schools’ obligations to the Treaty and this requires maintaining schools’ ability to localise their curriculum, to engage if they want to with local hapu or iwi, and ensuring that mātauranga Māori is not subject to a veto by her under new section 90B. The problem is the shift that she says doesn’t exist, the shift from national curriculum statements providing direction while enabling local adaptation to curriculum statements, which are prescriptive and centrally controlled, fundamentally changes the relationship between national direction and local implementation, and that’s the same issue as we were raising under the issue around absenteeism and school attendance. You’re taking the power away from our local communities and you’re installing it in the top in the offices in Wellington, and you need to be accountable back to our communities, and by doing this, it’s removing that accountability. Centralising the curriculum and reducing local flexibility will significantly limit schools’ ability to do things that they want to like have tikanga and mātauranga Māori relevant to local teaching programmes, and it will limit those abilities for local communities to do it. New section 90B’s override power makes this concrete and it specifies in here—and I can read it—that the Minister must have regard to the Secretary of Education’s recommendation; that they can impose changes whether or not the Secretary has reviewed that curriculum statement, or even reported on it for that matter. Educators contributing their expertise through a formal review process could see that input completely dismissed. The proposed changes in this have that problem with the Treaty. The other amendments I provided also, I want to highlight, create barriers to inclusive and equitable learning. It’s important to note that equity requires flexibility, and changes like this remove that flexibility from the system. If teachers can’t retain professional discretion to adapt both the curriculum and also their methodology to meet the needs of individual learners, whether that’s neurodiversity or other issues there, that they have the ability to meet those learners’ needs. Any differentiation by school type must be rigorously examined for equity impacts before implementation. Having this prescriptive approach that she will preside over means that it takes away any ability to adapt practice to what each individual leaner may need, and that’s the real risk of this system change. Mr Chair, I still would like to wind up, I’ve got a whole range of ones. I’ll do one more call if that’s OK. Hon Erica Stanford: Why don’t you just let me answer that one and then— CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): We’ll let the Minister respond and then we’ll come back to you. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:45): At the risk of repeating myself—I think now for the fourth time—there is nothing in this bill that makes any changes to the way that the curriculum statements are made, that they are changed, or that they are revoked. Now, the member is making it sound like there was something existing in the previous Act that said that it had to be sector-led, or there had to be an independent statutory body, or some other type of arrangement that limited the Minister’s power. If the member believes that, I think she should point to the Act where it says that—because it doesn’t. There is nothing in the existing legislation that requires any of those things. It has always been at the Minister’s discretion to issue, revoke, or amend curriculum statements, and nothing is changed. In fact, I’m looking at the existing Act, the Education and Training Act 2020, in front of me at the moment. “The Minister may make the following: foundation curriculum policy [documents]”; “The Minister may make national curriculum statements”. The only thing that this bill is doing is merging those two things together and calling them curriculum statements. There is nothing that is being removed or changed around anything else I already stated this as well in an answer to Lawrence Xu-Nan—so I’m repeating myself again—teachers in the classroom adapt their teaching practice to meet the needs of the students in front of them in order to engage them and ensure that their learning needs are being met. All we are prescribing, as every Minister has done, including the previous Minister of Education under the previous Government, is setting out what must be taught and the skills that must be gained. The way that the teacher engages the students and brings that to life in the classroom and the things that they bring in to their learning, like mātauranga Māori, is up to the professionalism of the teacher on the ground to engage those students. That has not changed. I’ve already covered this ground a number of times. If the members are still confused, I suggest they read the existing legislation, and then this legislation, and they will see that there is nothing that has changed in terms of the Minister’s ability. Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) (21:47): Thank you very much, Mr Chair. Well, I’m pleased the Minister of Education made that reference because my amendment that I was meant to speak to—4.30.48—explicitly relates to new section 90B, inserted by clause 10, which is what we read as the ministerial override power. If the Minister could take time to read 90B and explain how that is not a ministerial override power, then you’re doing better than me because it reads to me that that is exactly what it does. The problem with new section 90B, and what my amendment seeks to remedy, is that the curriculum—actually, to finish the last point I was making, which was having a prescriptive curriculum that doesn’t allow the room to move is a real concern to inclusive and equitable learning. That was the point I was going to make. Allowing curriculum statements to differ according to school classrooms, year groups, and levels creates a tiered education system that research consistently shows institutional streaming disproportionately disadvantages Māori and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. We are worried that the ministerial override power in new section 90B will follow the same outcomes as the United Kingdom when they introduced these measures, and they will further entrench existing inequalities, particularly from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The point I would like to make next, Mr Chair, in relation to new section 90B, is that the view is that curriculum changes should only occur through a sector-led review process with adequate implementation timeframes, and that’s the difference. We’re having a curriculum that is coming from the top and being implemented. The combination of sections 90A, regular reviews, and 90B, ministerial changes at will, creates maximum instability in the sector. My proposal is to make an amendment, and it’s important to note that every Curriculum change required substantial work—training teachers, developing resources, redesigning programmes, recalibrating assessments; doing all that work. When the Curriculum can be changed at ministerial discretion, schools face continuous disruption and unstable and unsustainable implementation, and that is exactly what’s been happening, and I suspect that is why she’s paused the Curriculum roll-out—because it’s got to the point where it’s breaking point and there are schools and teachers out there that are just unable to do it. The pause is, I think, a result from that. The last point I’d like to make in terms of sections 90A and 90B is the removing of community voice from that ability. We have those amendments—I think there were six or seven amendments—to really enable, if education in New Zealand is going to work in a way we’re engaged with our communities, if we really do care about parents getting good, accurate information about their children and their achievements, and that it can’t be just done from Wellington, to people, you need to be engaging with communities and understanding the different needs. A rural high school is going to be very different from an urban primary school or a kura kaupapa Māori*. They are different communities with different needs, and having one single approach from the top to the bottom fails to understand the individual circumstances of not only communities but those students as well. As I’ve highlighted, the risks are we’re able to disown any obligations under the Treaty and we seriously risk further entrenching inequalities within New Zealand and creating barriers to inclusive and equitable learning. I’m at a loss as to how sections 90A and 90B actually help our young people learn and achieve and succeed when what this appears to do is just create barriers to young people who might learn in a different way, and it fails to understand that not all children learn the same way. I know that the Minister thinks that all brains learn the same, but there is other evidence that shows that different children learn in different ways, and this implementation of sections 90A and 90B completely ignores that evidence. Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:52): Firstly, the point of this section is to stop what’s happening at the moment. We’ve been in a situation where we are having to refresh the entire Curriculum at once. We did it back in 2007, and we’re doing it again. It is extraordinarily disruptive, and it was a process that was begun by the previous Government in, I think, 2019. They managed to get one strand of one curriculum out in that six-year period, but the point is that we cannot keep doing this to the sector, where we do it all at once. It is disruptive and it is difficult, and the point of this section is to say, “Actually, let’s look at what other countries do, where they don’t completely change the Curriculum every 20 years, but instead they have small, rolling reviews, ongoing, small tweaks to make sure that the Curriculum up to date all the time.” Again—I think this is the sixth time I’ve said the same thing—the current section 91 said the Minister can make a curriculum statement. That means the Minister can replace at any time existing—it is at the moment an unfettered ability. That is in the existing legislation. What section 90B does means the Minister can’t do that without the Secretary’s advice, evidence, and research, and all those things. We are actually putting in place a constraint on the Minister’s powers. The final point is a point I’ve already made, again, around the engagement of the young people in the classroom and the way that the teacher adapts the teaching practice to meet the needs of those children. That, as I’ve already said, now for the third time, will remain at the professional judgment of the teacher in the classroom, for them to be able to make those calls. I don’t know how many times I have to say it. The member may not understand, but that’s not my problem. HŪHANA LYNDON (Green) (21:54): I’m standing on behalf of Te Pāti Kākāriki to speak to proposed Amendment Paper 624, and this is in relation to clause 11A. It’s a bit emotional this one, because we’ve been to the Waitangi Tribunal on it, and it is in relation to how our schools give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This clause is seeking the return, the retention, of the way schools can give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, so the amendment states, “(3) After section 127(2)(b): insert (ba) to ensure that the school gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi:”. I want to pay tribute to Ngāti Hine and Te Kapotai and our education leaders who took the urgent claim to the Waitangi Tribunal, Wai 3553, and successfully argued cases on behalf of the thousands of voices of support, the hundreds of schools, and the 70 percent of the education sector that stood up and shared through Te Rārangi Rangatira that they support and will uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi locally, in community, as allies and supporters, and that their students, tamariki, and mokopuna would learn these key fundamental tenets of our Aotearoa New Zealand of today. What the Waitangi Tribunal shared with us in their recommendations and findings is that there has been a neglect of the relationship between tangata whenua and the Crown, and that the decision to pursue these significant amendments in the removal of Te Tiriti obligations and giving effect to Te Tiriti locally degrades the relationship between te Kāwanatanga and tangata whenua. We’ve heard in the media that the Minister is doing this because the Tiriti relationship sits with her on behalf of the Kāwanatanga rather than at a school level or a board level, so my question to the Minister is: how has the Minister, as the mana holder, taken on board this huge relationship of being the relationship holder with tangata whenua and uri of the signatories of Te Tiriti, in taking these changes to them? How have tangata whenua worked alongside the Minister in reaching this stage whereby the proposal is to remove this part of the legislation that provided the space for giving effect to Te Tiriti? If the mana sits with the Minister, how does it come into effect? What is the actual embodiment of it? We’ve seen clearly in the reporting from Crown officials that there’s been no consultation. I must be living under a rock somewhere in Whangārei, where education leaders have said, “We haven’t been asked, either. We haven’t been asked at all. We value the way in which, through legislation, we are required to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and, through that, then go and build those relationships with local hapū, iwi, and kāinga, to work together on curriculum development, adopting Mātauranga Māori and working in the way that they can deliver and strengthen those relationships.” My pātai is to the Minister: will she consider following the recommendations and findings of the Waitangi Tribunal, backed by some 70 percent of our schools across the motu, re-establish and uphold the fact that schools must give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi; and if not, how does the Minister, as the mana holder, demonstrate that she will value the iwi Māori relationship and that she has done that through this process, and how will the breach and the undermining and the degrading of the Māori-Crown relationship be healed through this process? The Waitangi Tribunal has been very clear in its direction. The claimants and education sector support the recommendations and findings. The pātai is: ka pēhea [how]? How are we going to repair what has been damaged thus far? Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education) (21:59): I’ve said publicly on a number of occasions—and the member referred to it—that the Treaty duty sits between the Crown and iwi Māori, and I take that duty very seriously. The Crown entities that are school boards are legally separate from the Crown, and to delegate a Treaty duty to a Crown entity that is legally separate from the Crown is, in Cabinet’s view, not something that we want to do. It has been a Cabinet decision. The member asks how we uphold that Treaty obligation, and I point her to article 3, which is around ensuring that the outcomes for tamariki Māori are raised and are the same as every other student. Through our work programme, the member will have seen that we established a Māori ministerial advisory group, and I was very pleased to announce today that the Hon Kelvin Davis is now a part of it. They are ensuring that our entire work programme is around raising Māori achievement. That is how we are giving effect to the Treaty, to make sure that all tamariki Māori have the ability to succeed at school and then in life, in further education or in employment. It is well documented, although the media tend not to cover it, all of the efforts we’re putting into not only resourcing, curriculum assessments, supporting the workforce to make sure that Māori, regardless of whether they are learning in Māori-medium, kura kaupapa, or in mainstream, have that ability to succeed. CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): Members, the time has come for me to leave the Chair. The House is suspended until 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. Sitting suspended from 10.01 p.m. to 9 a.m. (Wednesday) Extended Sitting

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