Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Education Appointments – Ara Institute of Canterbury enters new phase with Council appointments and Chief Executive selection

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury has taken an important step in its return to independence, with the Government confirming four ministerial appointments to Ara’s Council and the newly formed Council appointing Darren Mitchell as Chief Executive from 1 January 2026, following an extensive competitive recruitment process managed by HardyGroup International.
Council Chair Hugh Lindo said the appointments mark a significant milestone for Ara as it re-establishes its own governance.
“This is Ara’s first Council since re-establishment, and with that comes a fresh slate. Ara now has its hands firmly on its own destiny. Our role as a Council is to embed this next chapter, support the organisation through strong strategic decision-making and ensure Ara is positioned for long-term success.”
“That job is made significantly easier because Ara has been so well run and stewarded. Darren has kept a steady hand on the tiller through a period of substantial change, and the organisation is in a strong position as a result.”
Mr Lindo added that the appointment of Mr Mitchell as Chief Executive provides the certainty Ara needs as it moves into 2026.
“Darren leads with clarity, discipline and a deep care for staff and students. They’re always at the forefront of his decision-making, and you can see that reflected in the stability and focus Ara now has. His appointment gives the organisation continuity and confidence for the work ahead.
“We have strong foundations and a genuine opportunity to shape Ara’s future in a way that will deliver lasting benefits for Canterbury and the wider South Island. It’s an exciting time to be stepping into this role.”
Incoming Chief Executive Darren Mitchell said the appointments give Ara the stability and governance it needs to move fully into the next phase of its development.
“This is an important milestone for Ara. We’ve spent this year resetting the organisation, strengthening our financial position, sharpening our priorities for 2026-27 and deepening our partnerships with industry. With the Council in place, we can move from planning to delivery with confidence.”
“Ara plays a critical role in supporting the economic and social wellbeing of Canterbury and the South Island. I’m honoured to continue leading the organisation as we focus on delivering outstanding outcomes for our learners, employers and communities.”
Recruitment for the remaining three Council positions will begin in early 2026.
Council members:
  • Hugh Lindo, Chair – Senior Partner of Simpson Grierson’s Ōtautahi Christchurch office, with expertise in corporate governance and commercial law.
  • Michael Rondel, Deputy Chair – Audit and Assurance Partner at BDO Christchurch, with extensive experience in the education and not-for-profit sectors.
  • Andrea Leslie – Executive Director of Primary ITO, with more than 30 years’ experience in vocational education and a strong South Canterbury perspective.
  • Rick Hellings – Former Managing Director of Smiths City Group for 16 years, with long-standing ties to Ara and extensive commercial and governance experience.
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BusinessNZ Planning Forecast: economy lifts, but structural risks cannot be ignored

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ’s latest Planning Forecast shows the economy finally emerging from stagnation and GDP projected to grow at just under 3% per year to 2027, with improving momentum across manufacturing, construction, and tourism. (ref. https://businessnz.org.nz/businessnz-planning-forecast )
BusinessNZ Chief Economist John Pask says the recovery is welcome, but New Zealand is heading into a decade of difficult choices.
“While the outlook to 2027 is brighter, there are several major structural risks which are currently accelerating. An ageing population is set to drive superannuation and healthcare costs to unsustainable levels. Without reform, those two items alone could consume all income tax revenue by the late 2040s.
“At the same time, government debt has tripled since 2019 and continues to rise. We cannot borrow our way out of demographic reality.
“Difficult choices will need to be made, including mature thinking on the potential for asset recycling and greater competition in the delivery of government sanctioned services, such as ACC.”
Pask says that overall, business confidence is rising with most sectors showing signs of improvement – if a little uneven.
“On the bright side, our construction sector is looking up, agriculture continues to do well and tourism is rebounding as international visitor numbers return to pre-Covid levels.
“If New Zealand wants to avoid a major deterioration in living standards, then improving productivity, maintaining regulatory discipline, and attracting investment will be essential.” 
The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index (ECI) for the December 2025 quarter sits at 13, which is up nine on the previous quarter, and up two on a year ago. The ECI is a measure of some of NZ’s key economic indicators. An ECI of reading above 0 indicates general economic conditions are improving overall, while below 0 means economic conditions are generally declining.
The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the December 2025 quarter is available now on the BuisnessNZ website.
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Tech – Epson exhibits at the world’s largest specialised robot exhibition, International Robot Exhibition 2025

Source: Epson

Showcasing innovative technologies for the automotive, EV, retail, life sciences and food industries

Epson is exhibiting at the International Robot Exhibition 2025, held at Tokyo Big Sight from December 3-6, under the theme “Accelerating the Future with Robotics and Technology.” In addition to advancements in robotics, Epson will introduce development support technologies utilising AI, presenting possibilities for future manufacturing.

The exhibition will propose practical solutions to challenges faced by the manufacturing, retail, and life sciences sectors, including labour shortages, quality control and sustainability.

Going beyond mere automation, Epson's robotics represent a “trajectory of challenges” that continues to evolve along with society. As such the company invites attendees to the exhibition to experience firsthand the technologies that contribute to the future of manufacturing and society.

Highlights

• AI-enabled development environment Epson RC+: Development support functions utilising generative AI

• For the automotive industry (with cooperation from Subaru Corporation): Spectral vision system for inspections, revolutionising paint quality

• New LS50 SCARA Robot with a 50-kg payload for EVs: Accelerates EV battery transport

• Compact, space-saving robots for retail: A Kiosk terminal enabling in-store production and sales of custom colour nail polish-Japan's first public unveiling

• New AX6 collaborative robot for life sciences: Automates specimen pre-processing.

• New RS6 ceiling mounting SCARA robot for the food industry: Space-saving, high-speed transport

Highlight Details

• Epson RC+ AI-enabled development environment
A reference exhibit of chatbot and program generation support functions using generative AI. Library functions and plugins improve development efficiency, and cloud integration enables collaborative development and remote monitoring. Support for standards such as OPC UA and SRCI, as well as provision of libraries compatible with ROS®, realise a flexible open interface.

• For the automotive industry: advanced image inspection
Demonstration of paint colour inspection using a spectral vision system. Non-contact, stable detection of colour difference is achieved utilising mixed-colour bumpers provided by Subaru Corporation. Technology engineered to stabilise and automate appearance inspections.

• For the EV sector: battery transport
The new LS50 SCARA robot with a 50-kg payload enables fast and stable EV battery transport. A comparative demonstration with the previous model, the LS20, highlights advances in weight and speed.

• For the retail sector: The Huey™ nail polish vending machine
Exhibit of a kiosk terminal that extracts colours from a user's favourite smartphone image to produce and sell original nail polish. Addresses space and profitability challenges faced by retail stores, offering a new revenue model and unique customer experience.

• For life sciences: laboratory automation with the new AX6 collaborative robot
Automates specimen pre-processing, improving reliability and efficiency in medical and research settings. Demonstrations include operation via Python and block programming.

• For the food industry: macaron transport with new RS6 ceiling mounting SCARA robot

A ceiling mounting structure saves space, supporting efficient food transport. A demonstration will show high-speed transport combining conveyor tracking and vision recognition. This is an automation solution for food processing sites facing severe labour shortages.

Manufacturing Innovation: New Proposals for Industry

• Direct to shape printing system
A compact, high-precision S800 inkjet head combined with a 6-axis robot for direct printing on three-dimensional objects. Enables printing on complex shapes, contributing to process rationalisation and reduced environmental impact.

• Metal 3D printing by 3DEO：
Through collaboration with U.S.-based 3DEO, Epson introduces high-precision metal additive manufacturing using 3DEO's proprietary Intelligent Layering® technology. This next-generation solution is ideal for low-volume, high-mix production and enables greater design freedom for complex parts.

Epson is pioneering the future of manufacturing and society through the fusion of robotics, technology, and AI. We invite you to visit the Epson booth and experience our latest technologies.
 
Additional Exhibition Information

International Robot Exhibition 2025 Overview

• Date & Time: December 3-6, 2025, 10:00-17:00

• Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 4 (E4-03)

• Online Exhibition: November 19 – December 19, 2025

• Official URL: https://irex.nikkan.co.jp/

• Online Venue: https://irex.nikkan.co.jp/online/

Exhibitor Seminar

• Date & Time: December 3, 2025, 12:30–13:10

• Title: “Epson's Visionary Challenge for a Better Tomorrow”

• Speaker: Yasunori Yoshino,
Director, Executive Officer,
General Administrative Manager, Corporate Strategy Division
Chief Operating Officer, Manufacturing Solutions Operations Division

• Link: https://irex.nikkan.co.jp/webinar/detail/1590

Notes

• The names of products, services, and technologies of Seiko Epson Corporation, group companies, and third parties mentioned in this news release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and organisations.

• OPC UA is a registered trademark of the OPC Foundation.

• Python is a registered trademark of the Python Software Foundation.

About Epson, Epson Australia and Epson New Zealand
Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion.
https://corporate.epson/en

Epson Australia offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the commercial, industrial, consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets, and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Epson is the market leader in Australia and worldwide in sales of projectors for the home, office and education. Established in 1983 Epson Australia is headquartered in North Sydney, NSW and is a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan.

www.epson.com.au

Epson New Zealand offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the commercial, industrial, consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets, and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Epson is a market leader in New Zealand, Australia and worldwide in sales of projectors for the home, office and education. Epson New Zealand is headquartered in Auckland and is a branch of Epson Australia Pty Limited, a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan.
www.epson.co.nz

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Property Sector – Building costs edge higher as timber and cladding prices rise – QV

Source: Quality Valuations (QV)

The cost of building a home is starting to edge up again, with QV CostBuilder’s latest data showing the first signs of upward pressure as timber and cladding prices rise in the final quarter of 2025.

In QV CostBuilder’s latest quarterly update for November, approximately 15,600 current material and labour prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates across Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. This has produced about 14,500 (23.8%) changes to the data over the six centres, in the Cost Planning and Detailed Trade Rates sections.

The average cost of constructing a standard one- or two-storey 150–230m² home in these centres rose 0.5%, over the past three months, and 1.1% over the past year, in sharp contrast to the 38% increases seen between 2020 and 2024.

QV CostBuilder quantity surveyor Martin Bisset said the market is showing signs of gentle upward movement after a prolonged period of flat or falling costs.

“It’s not a surge by any means, but we’re starting to see some early signs of cost pressure returning — particularly in timber, cladding systems, and some specialist finishes,” he said.

“For the past year we’ve seen a general cooling in construction inflation, but the latest data shows pockets of the market are tightening again. These aren’t dramatic shifts, but they’re worth watching as activity begins to firm heading into 2026.”

The most notable price movements this quarter, in terms of decreases, were plumbing materials, which were down 1.5%, due to the price of PVC tanks decreasing significantly (-36.1%) and Buteline pipe fittings, which were also down (–8.1%).

While notable price increases were Structural timber (+5.2%); Proprietary Cladding Systems (+5.0%); Concrete (+4.5%) due to a rise in waterstops; Diesel (+3.0%); and Painting & Specialist Finishes (+2.3%).

Mr Bisset noted that while the headline figures remain low, changes in prices are appearing more often. Although there are some decreases, increasing timber prices are more likely to affect the overall building cost, because it is a principal component.

“What we’re seeing is less a broad-based rise, and more a patchwork of increases and decreases. There are more rates rising than reducing, but overall construction costs are stable,” he said. “For builders and developers, this means the overall cost of a project may not change much, but the mix of where those costs sit is shifting.”

Industry outlook and regulatory changes
Recent proposed changes to the Building Act — including the move from joint-and-several liability to proportionate liability, plus mandatory warranties and professional indemnity insurance for design professionals — could influence construction costs over time.

While these reforms aim to improve fairness and reduce council exposure for construction defects, their implementation will be critical.
“Any regulatory change tends to create uncertainty before it creates efficiency,” said Mr Bisset.

“If warranties and insurance requirements add new compliance costs, those will almost certainly be passed through to developers and homeowners. But on the other hand, more proportionate risk-sharing may reduce delays and disputes down the line.”

The outlook for 2026
With recent reductions in the OCR and low construction inflation, 2026 will be a good time to build according to Mr Bisset.

“2025 has been a year of stability, and it is very likely that 2026 will be another year of low construction inflation,” he said. “With the OCR recently having been lowered again to 2.25%, 2026 will be a good time to build. The Reserve Bank has stated it expects this rate cut will have a moderate effect on the future growth of house prices.”

However, he warned the danger with a low OCR, is that if there is a rush to build, there needs to be enough capacity in the sector to cope. “If there isn’t the capacity, it could lead to the cost increases we saw in the early 2020s,” he said.

Non-Residential Buildings
In the meantime, costs for non-residential buildings (excluding educational buildings) remain stable, rising modestly by 0.5% this quarter, but with an annual cost increase of just 0.8%.

“Bear in mind that all of these figures are averages and the true cost of construction will always depend on the level of finishes, internal layout, and all manner of other elements,” Mr Bisset added.

QV CostBuilder
QV CostBuilder is New Zealand’s most comprehensive subscription-based building cost platform. In this update, more than 15,600 current material prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates, generating about 14,500 changes to the data across six centres.

Powered by state-owned enterprise Quotable Value, QV CostBuilder’s comprehensive database covers everything from the building costs per square metre for banks, schools, and office buildings, to the approximate cost per sheet of GIB and more than 8,000 other items. It also includes labour rates, labour constants, and much more.

Visit QV CostBuilder at costbuilder.qv.co.nz

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Independent Assessment Identifies Infrastructure Opportunities for New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

Twenty-five new infrastructure proposals have been endorsed in the second round of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission's Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP), bringing the total to 42 independently assessed priorities.
“New Zealand needs an approach to infrastructure investment that provides certainty that projects are solving the right problems, are affordable and can be delivered,” says Infrastructure Commission Chief Executive Geoff Cooper.
The IPP is an independent and standardised process providing decision-makers with a list of unfunded infrastructure projects and solutions to potential problems.
“Launched in 2024, the Programme is an ongoing process, and these results are another step toward building a menu of infrastructure priorities for New Zealand,” Cooper explained.
Building on the 17 proposals endorsed in round one released in June 2025, this second round adds 25 new proposals ranging from transport, waste, defence, and health infrastructure.
These include endorsements for Golden Triangle Rail Electrification, Waimakariri Eastern Transport, Auckland Biosolids Servicing, Auckland Level Crossings, and Queenstown Transport proposals as well as hospital projects in Tauranga, Hawke's Bay and Palmerston North.
“Each endorsed proposal has been rigorously assessed against criteria including strategic alignment with New Zealand's needs, value for money, and deliverability,” Cooper says.
“We know that premature project announcements increase the odds of cost overruns and delivery delays. The IPP provides clear assessment of the investment readiness and the appropriate next step for each proposal.”
The endorsed proposals, submitted by both public and private organisations, were assessed by the Commission and reviewed by an independent panel of five leading infrastructure experts.
“The programme is voluntary and open to anyone, from government agencies and councils to community groups and the private sector. This ensures we are able provide a list of infrastructure needs and solutions from across the country.
“While endorsement doesn't guarantee funding, or prioritisation by Government, it sends a strong signal to decision-makers about infrastructure priorities that have passed independent scrutiny.”
Endorsements are provided at three stages. Proposals endorsed at Stage 1 were found to identify problems requiring business case development. Those at Stage 2 focus on multiple options to solve the problem ready for detailed design. A Stage 3 endorsement reflects an investment-ready project.
“As the programme matures, it has the potential to provide government with a comprehensive list of options for addressing New Zealand's infrastructure needs.
“Together with the National Infrastructure Plan out early next year, the Infrastructure Priorities Programme helps build consensus on where New Zealand's infrastructure dollar will have the greatest impact.”
More information on proposals endorsed by the Infrastructure Priorities Programme is available on the Infrastructure Commission website. [Information to be published at https://tewaihanga.govt.nz/our-work/infrastructure-priorities-programme/see-projects-in-the-ipp at 5am 3 December 2025]
Notes
A list of endorsed proposals is attached.
Further information to be published, including individual project assessments, is available on request.
What is the IPP?
The Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP) is a standardised, independent process to identify infrastructure proposals and projects that meet New Zealand's strategic objectives, represent good value for money, and can be delivered.
Who manages the IPP?
The IPP is administered by Te Waihanga as an autonomous Crown entity.
Who can submit to the IPP?
Eligible submitters include central government agencies, Crown entities, state-owned enterprises, mixed-ownership model companies, local government, council-controlled organisations, community housing providers, charitable organisations, community groups, individuals, and the private sector.
Does the IPP guarantee funding?
The IPP is not a funding, decision making or Government prioritisation process. Endorsement does not infer that a project will be funded or progressed by the relevant decision-making body.
How are projects assessed?
Proposals are assessed at three stages: Stage 1 (problem definition), Stage 2 (options assessment), and Stage 3 (investment ready).
All proposals are assessed against three criteria: strategic alignment, value for money, and deliverability.
An independent review panel of five infrastructure experts' reviews assessments before final endorsement decisions.
Proposals not progressing to endorsement may be triaged out, withdrawn by the proponent, or assessed but not endorsed. Projects already receiving funding are ineligible for the IPP.
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Serious injury outcome indicators: 2000–2024 – Correction to work-related fatalities 2024 error

 

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International trade: September 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

International trade: September 2025 quarter – information release

2 December 2025

International trade statistics provide information on imports and exports of goods and services between New Zealand and our trading partners.

Key facts

Quarterly goods and services by country

  • Total exports of goods and services for the September 2025 quarter were $25.0 billion, up from $22.3 billion in the September 2024 quarter.
  • Total imports of goods and services for the September 2025 quarter were $30.7 billion, up from $28.6 billion in the September 2024 quarter.
  • The total two-way trade for the September 2025 quarter was $55.7 billion.

The Government Statistician authorises all statistics and data we publish.

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EPA approves a new weedkiller for wheat and barley crops

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a new herbicide used to control certain broadleaf and grass weeds in wheat and barley crops.
Adama New Zealand Limited applied to import or manufacture the herbicide, Tower, which contains the active ingredients chlorotoluron at 250 g/L, pendimethalin at 300 g/L, and diflufenican at 40 g/L.
Adama says the combination of different active ingredients should reduce the risk of resistance developing and that few herbicides can control grass weeds in cereals without damaging the crop.
“This approval means wheat and barley growers have another tool in their toolbox to help protect crops vital to New Zealand’s primary sector,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, Acting General Manager for Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
The combined wheat and barley industry contributes around $300 million to the Aotearoa New Zealand economy a year. Almost 100,000 hectares of New Zealand land is used for wheat and barley production.
Tower contains chlorotoluron, a chemical new to New Zealand, though it has been approved in the UK and Europe. Tower also contains two other active ingredients already approved and available for use in New Zealand – pendimethalin and diflufenican.
Dr Fleury says, “The decision to approve the import or manufacture of Tower was made following a rigorous assessment and consultation process.
“This decision is the latest for the EPA, which continues to work hard and has reduced the queue of hazardous substance applications. The EPA has set ambitious assessment targets for the coming year, including increasing the number of assessments for substances containing new active ingredients.”
Tower can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, using ground-based application, after sowing and before wheat and barley plants emerge.
As Tower is an agricultural product it must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries before it can be used in New Zealand.
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ASB refuses to divest, so Amnesty International is switching banks – Amnesty International Statement

Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand

Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand has announced it is moving its banking from ASB, in light of the bank’s ongoing investments in Motorola Solutions Inc. This is part of a campaign calling on ASB to divest from Motorola Solutions Inc. due to its complicity in maintaining and enabling illegal Israeli settlements. Not only are these settlements illegal under international law, they are associated with widespread human rights violations.
Amnesty International understands ASB KiwiSaver funds have over $14- million invested in Motorola Solutions Inc., which is currently one of the companies identified by the UN as being involved in activities that help maintain and enable illegal Israeli settlements.
This UN list was last updated in September 2025 and continues to include Motorola Solutions Inc.
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand’s Movement Building and Advocacy Director Lisa Woods said, “We’ve raised this issue with ASB numerous times. We’ve presented our evidence of a range of severe human rights violations against Palestinians. We’ve given the bank time to review its investment and take appropriate action.
“Ethical and moral leadership across society is vital. In this regard, ASB has failed.”
In 2022, Amnesty International released the report Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians, documenting a decades-long system of oppression and domination that amounts to apartheid – a crime against humanity. Helping Israeli authorities to maintain this apartheid regime and expand its illegal settlements are the services and resources provided by different entities.
ASB’s decision to continue investing in Motorola Solutions Inc. sees the bank being part of a bigger picture where capital is invested in companies that are critical to maintaining Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestine, the illegal settlements, and its apartheid regime. 
ASB has specific international human rights obligations under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). ASB is required to avoid causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts through their own activities and seek to prevent or mitigate adverse human rights impacts that are directly linked to ASB’s operations, products or services, even if they have not contributed to those impacts (Principle 13).
“We cannot allow corporations to profit from the abuse of Palestinian human rights. Impunity cannot become the norm where we accept tick-box ethical investment policies. We believe that ASB, especially as a major Kiwisaver provider investing New Zealanders’ money, has a wider responsibility – moral and legal – to use its influence to promote respect for human rights,” said Woods.
Both globally and here in Aotearoa, financial institutions and companies are acknowledging that investments in companies that sustain Israel's illegal settlements and human rights atrocities are unethical, and they are divesting.
“We must question ASB’s framework for ethical investment, where in one of the world’s biggest human rights crises the framework still allows ASB to invest. Especially given the UN list of companies identified as being involved in activities that help maintain and enable illegal Israeli settlements has just been updated and continues to include Motorola Solutions Inc.
“It’s right to keep asking, ‘How high has the ethical screening bar been set? Is it still fit for purpose?’ We encourage ASB to reconsider its investment policies and join a number of organisations and businesses prioritising ethical investing,” said Woods.
-We understand latest data indicate this figure is now $18 million.
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Education and Politics – Curriculum changes ignore crucial evidence from England’s education review

Source: NZ Principals Federation

The New Zealand Principals’ Federation has today published a report exposing holes in the government’s plans for a ‘knowledge-rich curriculum’. The NZPF report captures crucial lessons from England’s experience that our government should be applying when revising the New Zealand curriculum.
“The Minister of Education claims she is focused on closing the gap between our highest and lowest performing students, yet the Government is implementing an education framework that will almost certainly make things worse,” says New Zealand Principals’ Federation President Leanne Otene.
“The evidence clearly shows that a knowledge-based curriculum fails to deliver the improvements in educational equity it claims to promote. It ignores the fact that students are individuals, many with diverse needs that require different education strategies to succeed.
“After 10 years, England’s education equity gap remained notably wide, and those with special educational needs continued to fall behind their peers.
“If we don’t hit pause now and rethink what we’re doing to New Zealand’s education system, we are going to go down the same path England did.
“We risk making the equity gap in our schools even wider. We risk the futures of our most vulnerable young people,” she says.
High-performing countries such as Singapore, Japan, and South Korea are actively reforming their education systems to move away from rigid, knowledge-intensive frameworks toward curricula that foster creativity, critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills. Similarly, Finland and other Nordic countries, which consistently rank among the world's top education systems, intentionally elevate their educational experience beyond basic recall of information.
“By connecting academic subjects to practical and real-world challenges, modern and high-performing education systems strive to make learning more relevant and engaging for their students,” says Leanne.
“Our government is clearly not looking at the full breadth of international evidence when making sweeping changes to how our young people are taught.
“The Minister focuses on standardised assessments and easy metrics rather than tackling the inequities that would genuinely improve education for Aotearoa's young people,” she says.
The Government is seeking feedback on the proposed Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill by 14 January 2026.
“NZPF will most certainly be making a submission on this wide-reaching proposal before the narrow feedback window closes on 14 January 2026,” Otene says. “I encourage others to do so too before it is too late.”
Make a submission on the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill: https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/65445e46-256b-4800-37f2-08de25831691?lang=en&Tab=history