Education
Colourful start to ASB Polyfest 2026
The cultural diversity of New Zealand students is being celebrated this week at Polyfest, the worlds largest Pasifika secondary school cultural festival. Audio
Relief for parents as school bus reviews paused
It's a welcome decision for regions where changes were due to soon take hold, but has left those already affected feeling frustrated. Audio
Ministry of Education pauses review into school bus changes
Rural families worried about whether their children are still eligible for government-funded buses to school can for now breathe a sigh of relief. The Ministry of Education has confirmed it's pushed… Audio
New iwi-led charter school announced for Wellington region
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the school will ensure none of its students fall through gaps in the education system.
New school rating system introduced
The Education Review Office is introducing a colour-coded, four-point scale for rating schools' performance, which the government says will be easier for parents to understand. Chief review officer… Audio
Should teachers give children lollies for good behaviour?
Should teachers give children lollies or chocolates for good behaviour? Health ministry guidelines say schools shouldn't serve confectionery at all. Some principals agree, but others say sweets are… Audio
Canterbury Pacific students reconnect with heritage
Pacific students in New Zealand's South Island say the SPACPAC Canterbury Polyfest helps them connect to their cultural heritage. Audio
Should teachers give children lollies for good behaviour?
One teacher says rewarding children with sweets is surprisingly widespread.
Dental workforce shortages caused by government's school admission cap - dentists
The number of dentists being trained hasn't changed since the 1980s, but the population has increased from over 3 million to over 5 million, the Dental Association says.
Mum's fuel bill triples as child no longer eligible for school bus
Palmerston North Boys' High School rector David Bovey said about 300 students at the school were affected by bus route changes. Audio
About $8m available to cover asbestos sand clean-up costs
An Education Ministry document indicates it has about $8 million available to cover asbestos sand clean-up costs insurance companies won't cover.
Feature Interview: Using AI to avoid hard conversations
The problem with artificial intelligence in education comes down to two problems. Somehow, educators need to encourage using AI creatively while discouraging taking lazy shortcuts. This is what Clay… Audio
School bus charters hit by rising fuel costs
A school bus charter company says it is being hit hard by rising fuel costs, driven by increasing fuel prices because of the conflict in the Middle East. Kiwi Coaches owner Dayton Howie spoke to… Audio
Australian college suspends censured NZ teacher over sex talk
Jason Morgan asked students inappropriate questions, including, "How long would you wait to have sex with a dead girl?"
'What is this hold up?': Students struggle with costs amid loan payment delays
Many parents and students have been sharing their frustration about the delays in a social media group. Audio
Studylink applications not processed weeks after courses began
Stressed out students are struggling to pay rent, buy food and take the bus to class because their student loan applications are still not processed, weeks after courses began. But Studylink says… Audio
Gisborne kura calls for safe crossing to protect tamariki and whānau
Tauira from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui say traffic outside the kura has become increasingly dangerous during peak drop-off and pick-up times, with "near misses daily."
Teacher censured for sexual comments now teaching in Australia
He asked students inappropriate questions, including, "How long would you wait to have sex with a dead girl?"
'May be unusual, doesn't make it wrong': Public Service Commissioner responds to union's legal action
NZEI, the primary teachers union, filed urgent legal action after the government announced it was offering pay rises to non-unionised teachers. Audio
Legal action filed after pay rises offered to non-union members
The primary teachers union says it's filing urgent legal action after the government announced it's offering pay rises to teachers who are not in the union. Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche… Audio
