Every parent wants their child to experience a learning journey that is consistent, connected and built to last.

The New Zealand Principals’ Federation is proposing a permanent and politically independent home for curriculum and assessment that would help reduce unnecessary disruption and short-term upheaval. This is an initiative that - as a principal that has seen the strain of the last two years - I would fully support.

Every child deserves an education system built to last, one where good ideas are given the time, support and resourcing to actually work in classrooms, rather than being replaced before they've had a chance to succeed.

Our classrooms do not need more change. They need time to make change work. While the Minister of Education would continue to set the overall education policy and make final decisions, the Council would ensure proposed changes are fully developed, tested and resourced before they reach classrooms.

Te Tiriti partnership must be built in from the beginning and sustained throughout, not added afterwards and never pushed aside. A high-performing, equitable and effective education system takes patience, steady effort and long-term commitment.

Did you know that New Zealand had started a dedicated curriculum function within the Ministry of Education? The Curriculum Centre, Te Poutāhū, was set up in 2018 in response to a government taskforce finding that education changes in Aotearoa were too often introduced before they had been properly researched, trialled or resourced. However, much of that work has since been paused, reduced or redirected.

What this means for our students and schools:

• End Curriculum Chaos: Stops constant reform cycles so teachers can focus on teaching and good ideas have the time, funding and support to actually work.

• Long-Term Stability: Creates a consistent learning journey for children from early childhood through secondary school, planning ahead for the next 10 to 30 years.

• Tested Before Reaching Classrooms: Ensures changes are properly researched, trialled and fully resourced before being introduced.

• Built on Te Tiriti Partnership: Ensures authentic, ongoing partnership with Māori and iwi from the very start.

• Proven Globally: Follows successful international models (like Ireland) that prioritise fewer, well-planned changes to improve student outcomes.

Our children deserve an education system built to last - giving our schools the time and stability to thrive.

Andrea