Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced release dates for the updated National Curriculum for Years 0-10, with the complete package to be released by 9 September 2026.
Science and Social Sciences learning areas will be released on 12 August 2026, followed by Pūtaiao and Pūmanawa Tangata wāhanga ako on 26 August 2026. The two subject areas are being prioritised because they must be taught in schools from 2027.
The Ministry of Education received more than 3,900 submissions covering six learning areas and seven wāhanga ako during consultation. Feedback was gathered through in-person workshops, online webinars, surveys and classroom trials, with further input from education organisations, subject associations, education experts and sector review groups.
Schools must begin using Science, Social Sciences, Pūtaiao and Pūmanawa Tangata for Years 0-8 from 2027, with all learning areas and wāhanga ako required for Years 9-10 from the same year. The rollout extends to Year 11 in 2028, Year 12 in 2029, and Year 13 in 2030. Years 0-8 schools will introduce the remaining subjects including Health and Physical Education, The Arts, Technology, Learning Languages, Waiora, Toi Ihiihi, Hangarau, Te Reo Pākehā, and Ngā Reo from 2029.
The Ministry will provide classroom resources, professional learning and development, and engagement opportunities including webinars and in-person hui when the curriculum is released. The National Curriculum was last fully updated almost 20 years ago. English, Mathematics and Statistics, Te Reo Rangatira and Pāngarau for Years 0-10 are already required to be used, with some kura having until 2027 to implement them. The draft curriculum for Years 11-13 is currently in consultation and will be finalised later in 2026.