Refreshed National Curriculum Aims to Raise Learning Outcomes Nationwide

After almost two decades, New Zealand’s education system is turning a new page. The refreshed national curriculum, a complete draft for Years 1 to 10—marks one of the most significant updates in years, setting out a clear, knowledge-rich pathway for every learner.

Education Minister Erica Stanford called it a “major milestone”, noting that much has changed since the curriculum was last updated. This new framework highlights exactly what students should learn at particular stages, making sure consistency and fairness is maintained across schools everywhere in the country.

The newly made curriculum is now open for a period of six months for consultation, giving teachers, principals and education leaders to share and discuss their feedback before it becomes implemented.

Created by Kiwis, for Kiwi learners

Developed by New Zealand educators and benchmarked against high-performing global systems, the curriculum blends international best practice with strong local relevance. “This curriculum has been written by Kiwis for Kiwi kids,” Ms Stanford said. “It’s engaging, rigorous and rooted in the science of how children learn, while celebrating who we are as a nation.”

What’s inside the refreshed national curriculum

Social Sciences Students learn about New Zealand and world history, including explorers and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They also study money, citizenship and how society works.

Science Students explore how the natural and physical world works. They learn about key scientists and their discoveries.

Health & Physical Education Focuses on teamwork, movement and wellbeing. Includes consent education to build safe, respectful relationships.

The Arts Covers dance, drama, design and music. A new Music Technology strand supports creating digital sound.

Technology Students learn by doing—coding, designing and solving real problems. Focus on creativity, ethics and sustainability.

Learning Languages Offers 13 languages, including te reo Māori and NZ Sign Language. Schools choose what fits their community best.

A Just and Ambitious Future

Many teachers already deliver high-quality learning,but not every student has had access to the same opportunities in the past. Hence,the refreshed curriculum aims to change that and offer a consistent, fair and ambitious foundation for all.

The updated structure, Te Mātaiaho, will underpin the rollout from 2027, while the new draft of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa for kura is close to completion.

“This change is about ambition,” Ms Stanford said. “It’s about raising achievement and creating better outcomes for our young people. Every student deserves the chance to succeed—and we’re making sure they do.”