The Ministry of Education has officially released the new English and Maths curriculum for Years 1–10 — a major shift for schools across Aotearoa. While the Ministry describes it as “content-rich,” teachers say it’s simply content-heavy.
PPTA Te Wehengarua President Chris Abercrombie says the new curriculum will demand more time, more teachers, and smaller classes if it’s to be delivered effectively.
“Professional learning and new resources are helpful,” he explains, “but they don’t replace the time teachers need to cover this much material — especially in classrooms that are becoming more diverse every year.”
Inclusivity Concerns
Teachers had raised concerns about inclusivity during the draft stage, but Abercrombie says the Ministry’s response was to leave that responsibility largely to teachers. The official guidance talks about creating multiple ways for students to participate and providing “universal supports,” but without extra help for students with unmet learning needs, he says that expectation is unrealistic.
Pressure on Teachers
The new curriculum is due to roll out at the start of 2026 — a timeline many teachers already consider impossible. According to Abercrombie, this rush risks driving experienced educators away at a time when the system can’t afford to lose them.
“Keeping teachers in the profession is critical,” he says. “They’re the ones with the skills and knowledge to make this work. Without them, the curriculum could be unworkable.”
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Cultural Balance
There are also serious questions about how the final curriculum reflects Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The PPTA says it appears to move away from Te Mātaiaho — the framework designed to embed a mātauranga Māori worldview.
“It’s difficult to see how this version honours Te Tiriti as claimed,” Abercrombie says.
A Call for Real Investment
Teachers, he insists, want this curriculum to succeed. But that means investing properly — hiring more teachers, meeting students’ diverse learning needs, and working in genuine partnership with the profession.
Anything less, Abercrombie warns, could undermine both educational quality and equity across the country.
