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Education – Open Letter to the Minister of Education: CPPA Support for Sector Concerns

Source: NZ Principals Federation

Open Letter follows:
11 November 2025
Hon Erica Stanford
Minister of Education
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
Open Letter to the Minister of Education: CPPA Support for Sector Concerns
He tono kia rongo, kia kōrero tahi, kia whakatika – A call for listening, dialogue, and action
Tēnā koe Minister,
On behalf of the Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association (CPPA), representing primary school leaders across Waitaha Canterbury, we write to express our collective concern about the current scale, pace, and direction of education policy reform.
The ongoing “change overload” facing schools is unsustainable and places at risk both the quality of education provided to our ākonga and the wellbeing of tumuaki and kaiako.
The CPPA fully endorses the recent statements and positions of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF) regarding three key areas of reform currently before the sector.
Curriculum Implementation: Canterbury principals are deeply concerned by the continued revisions to the English and Mathematics/Statistics curricula-this being the third major change within two years. These constant shifts have created confusion, workload pressure, and uncertainty across schools. We urge that the timeframe for implementation be extended until at least Term 3, 2026, to allow schools sufficient opportunity to deeply engage with, understand, and embed these changes through relevant and high-quality professional learning and development (PLD).
Regarding the wider curriculum areas and the move toward a “knowledge-rich” curriculum, the current timeframes are unworkable. Successful implementation requires meaningful consultation with those most connected to teaching and learning-principals, teachers, and school leaders. Although we acknowledge the resources made available, the pace and sequencing of these reforms are unrealistic.
In alignment with NZPF, CPPA supports the following actions for principals:
– Refrain from engaging with the Ministry of Education on the October 19th curriculum changes to English and Mathematics/Statistics until sector concerns are addressed.
– Urgently call for the Mathematics and Statistics curriculum implementation to be extended to Term 3,2026.
– Continue any existing PLD commitments linked to the 2024 draft English, Mathematics, and Statistics curricula for Years 0-10.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The CPPA is gravely concerned by the proposed amendments to the Education and Training Act that would remove Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities from school boards. Our association and members are firmly committed to Te Tiriti. This commitment is reflected in our constitution and daily practices, with Canterbury schools actively working to give effect to Te Tiriti within their own communities. Any move to weaken these responsibilities would be a significant step backward for equity and partnership in education.
Teaching Council
The CPPA strongly opposes the proposed changes to the Teaching Council’s governance structure and role. Diminishing elected representation or bringing the professional regulator under direct Ministry control threatens the independence, credibility, and integrity of our profession. Maintaining an independent, sector-led Teaching Council is essential to preserve trust between educators and government, and to ensure that professional standards remain the responsibility of those who work within education.
A Call for Constructive Change
Minister, Canterbury principals are not opposed to reform. However, the pace, sequencing, and lack of authentic consultation currently being experienced across the sector are deeply concerning. Sustainable, research-informed, and collaboratively developed change is essential for success.
We respectfully request that you:
– Pause and review the mandated curriculum implementation timelines to allow for genuine engagement and sector input.
– Commit to open, solutions-focused dialogue with NZPF and regional associations to co-design a sustainable way forward. Our members are ready and willing to contribute constructively to this process. Together, we can ensure that future policy decisions are practical, durable, and ultimately focused on improving learning outcomes for every ākonga across Aotearoa.
Kind regards
Lisa Dillon-Roberts
President: Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association.
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Trucking Licences – Transporting New Zealand calls for review of international licence conversion processes

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand is calling on NZTA to review its international truck licence conversion processes, as the Agency announced yesterday it has revoked 440 commercial licences after an audit in July uncovered fraudulent activity. The revocations involve heavy vehicle licences in classes 3 to 5.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the national body supports a rigorous licence conversion process, and says NZTA needs to be flagging issues during the application phase, rather than through large-scale auditing processes.
“We support NZTA’s move to ensure incorrectly licenced drivers aren’t operating on the road. Truck drivers are in a position of real responsibility, so all road users need to have confidence in the licencing system that qualifies them.
“NZTA has processes in place to ensure that truck license conversions are done safely, right from the beginning. Countries that require similar driving skills and have similar licencing systems are considered “exempt countries“. Drivers from these countries go through a conversion process involving a detailed application, theory test, and a practical test only in limited circumstances. There are 25 exempt countries, including Australia, Japan, South Africa and the United Kingdom.”
“NZTA’s conversion process for non-exempt countries is more rigorous. This starts with an application at a specialist overseas conversation site, a theory test, a licence with a supervisor condition, and then a practical test, finally resulting in a New Zealand driver license.”
“Our road freight company members want to know that NZTA is being appropriately thorough, so that they can have confidence in migrant drivers with converted licences. As well as the important safety considerations, truck drivers are transporting valuable cargo.”
Kalasih says that in addition to licence conversion, many road freight companies send their own driver assessors overseas to make their own assessment of migrant drivers' abilities.
“I know that our members have been going to real lengths to ensure migrant truck drivers have the necessary skills to operate safely.”
“We will be seeking reassurance from NZTA about ensuring their overseas licencing application processes are fit for purpose, and offering Transporting New Zealand’s assistance to NZTA in this regard.”
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Local News – Recount of votes in Porirua City Council’s Māori Ward

Source: Porirua City Council 

In a decision issued today, the District Court has ordered a recount of votes in the Parirua Māori Ward, following an application by candidate Jess Te Huia.
The court ruled that Ms Te Huia has an objective and credible basis for believing that the results were incorrect, so the application for a recount was granted.
The recount will take place on Thursday 13 November. 
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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #13

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Drones with thermal imaging equipment have begun checking the flanks of the Tongariro National Park fireground for hotspots.
Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone crew completed one flank of the fire last night, flying over the containment lines which are up to 30 metres wide. They will return tonight to complete the second flank.
District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says that the information from the drones help ground crews target their efforts to consolidate the containment lines right around the fireground.
There are 35 crews of Department of Conservation firefighters working on the ground today. One helicopter is on standby, but conditions have been too misty with extensive low cloud to enable a visual flyover of the area.
“The weather is perfect for fire suppression, no good for getting an aerial view of the ground,” Nigel Dravitzki says. “Once we are able to get airborne, we will fly around the full perimeter and get an accurate measure of the area. Indications are that the size has not increased since Sunday night but I won’t be confident about that until we have seen it.” The last estimate was 2800 hectares.
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Politics and Employment – Plan to privatise meat inspectors risks food safety & export markets – PSA

Source: PSA

– Meat companies using own inspectors a clear conflict of interest
– Raises risk of contaminated and diseased meat being exported
– Jobs and wages of inspectors likely to be cut
The Government's proposal to require the replacement of independent government food safety inspectors with company-employed ones threatens New Zealand's hard-won reputation for food safety and puts export markets worth $10 billion a year at risk.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has issued a draft Animal Products Notice that proposes privatising export meat inspection services. This would require all meat processing companies to hire their own inspectors instead of using independent inspectors provided by AsureQuality.
“This is reckless deregulation – why would you put New Zealand's gold-standard food safety reputation at risk?” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“It’s irresponsible for the Government to force this on meat companies – there is no option proposed for companies to keep using the tried and trusted approach of respected AsureQuality inspectors.
“It just makes no sense. Independent meat inspection isn't broken. There is no good reason to privatise it, and every reason not to.
“For decades, independent meat inspection has given overseas buyers and consumers the confidence that our meat is safe and high quality.
“When inspectors are employed by the very companies they're scrutinising, there's an obvious conflict of interest. Company-employed inspectors will face pressure to prioritise production over food safety.
“We're talking about faecal contamination and diseased meat potentially reaching supermarkets because inspectors are under pressure from their employer. Faecal matter contains salmonella, campylobacter and e.coli which cause serious food poisoning. Why risk making shoppers in European supermarkets sick?”
The proposal may mean no independent inspectors on critical ‘detain rails’ where contaminated meat is inspected and defective product removed.
“New Zealand's red meat exports are worth $10 billion annually. One food safety scandal could wipe billions off our export earnings. Why take that risk?”
The proposal also threatens the jobs and working conditions of hundreds of experienced meat inspectors in rural and provincial New Zealand who face losing their jobs or having to work for the meat companies.
“Many inspectors are long serving and highly experienced. Some will retire or go offshore and be lost to the industry in the absence of any plan to retain them.
“The only winners here are the meat companies – mainly foreign-owned – who will boost their bottom lines by driving down the wages and working conditions of inspectors.
“This is the same pattern we've seen across the economy – deregulation that benefits business while workers and consumers carry the risk.
“The Government must scrap this dangerous proposal and maintain the independent meat inspection system that has served New Zealand so well.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Wellington Hospitals Foundation celebrates 20 years of impact

Source: CCDHB

When serious illness or injury strikes, nothing matters more than knowing our loved ones will receive the best possible hospital care.
 
November marks the 20 year anniversary for Wellington Hospitals Foundation as the official charity partner for Health New Zealand, proudly supporting the region’s public hospitals across Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley.

Founded in 2005, the Foundation has supported transformational projects like Te Wao Nui Children’s Hospital, made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood and a $10 million public fundraising campaign.  It has also helped fund life changing medical
equipment and supported hundreds of other important projects to improve patient care and experience across the region.

Guy Ryan, Foundation CEO says, “We all know that access to healthcare is a critical need in our community.  From the 590+ volunteers who give their time every single week, to the generous donors who support our fundraising campaigns, to the incredible healthcare professionals delivering round the clock care in our hospitals – there are many people and organisations to thank as we reflect on the Foundation’s 20 years and the difference we’ve made together.”    

Since its establishment, Wellington Hospitals Foundation has facilitated more than $160 million in community support from individuals, organisations and partners, and supported projects to benefit patients of all ages.

Other landmark projects include funding for lifesaving diagnostic and surgical technology, such as a new MRI Scanner and co-funding a 3D Mammogram machine, which help medical teams deliver faster, more accurate care to patients across the region.

The Foundation has also invested heavily in medical innovation and training through Wellington Regional Hospital’s world class Simulation and Skills Centre.  The purchase of lifelike medical manikins and hi-fidelity simulators allows hospital teams to practise rare and complex emergency scenarios – from cardiac arrests to neonatal resuscitation – in a safe, controlled environment.

Another milestone project, the Air Ambulance Flight Simulator, offers specialist training for doctors and nurses working in air retrieval medicine. Funded by the Foundation’s generous donors, this full-scale simulator replicates the cramped, turbulent conditions of a real aircraft, allowing medical staff to train for any inflight care. It has transformed the way air teams prepare for high pressure situations and is now used as a national training tool.
 
Other equipment and technology.
While government funding provides the essentials, community donations have equipped our hospitals with cutting edge technology that helps diagnose, treat and save lives every single day.

Highlights include:

  • Over $3 million invested in NICU equipment, including flight transport and general incubators. 
  • Establishment of the region’s first NICU human milkbank, safely processing donor breastmilk for fragile premature babies
  • Cooling systems that help reduce the risk of brain injury in newborns
  • Diagnostic equipment for Wellington Regional Hospital’s Child Protection Unit to help with trauma sensitive examinations for young victims
  • Comfortable, ergonomic chairs for people undergoing cancer treatment
  • 3D printing facilities that support medical training, research and innovation
  • Anatomical models and educational tools to help clinicians explain complex procedures to patients and their whānau.
And so much more.
 
Compassion in action.
 
While the Foundation has helped deliver many transformational projects, it’s often the smaller things that make the greatest difference day to day.

Over two decades, community donations have funded hundreds of meaningful initiatives including:

  • Patient care packs for people who find themselves unexpectedly in hospital
  • Welcoming family spaces with therapeutic art installations
  • Inkless stamp kits for grieving parents
  • Fans to help patients nearing the end of their life breathe more easily
  • Toys and other items that comfort and distract children during difficult or scary procedures
  • Thousands of pyjamas that help keep children warm and well during winter.
The Foundation has also supported some exciting heritage projects along the way, including preserving the Historic Royal Doulton tiles, maintaining the connection to Wellington’s first children’s hospital (built in 1912) through the Royal Doulton Tile Gallery.
 
Volunteers at the heart of our hospitals.
The Foundation’s contribution is not only financial. Its 590+ dedicated volunteers give more than 64,000 hours of service each year, offering warmth, guidance and reassurance to patients and visitors across Wellington Regional, Kenepuru and Hutt Hospitals.
From helping families navigate hospital corridors to offering a comforting presence at a bedside, volunteers are at the heart of our hospital community.
 
A community like no other
Wellington Hospitals Foundation supports patients of all ages across:

  • Wellington Regional Hospital
  • Kenepuru Hospital
  • Hutt Hospital
  • Te Wao Nui Child Health Service
  • Kapiti Health Centre
  • Mental Health, Addiction and Intellectual Disability Services (MHAIDS)

 
Together, with the generosity of donors and partners the Foundation continues to bridge the gap between what public funding provides and what exceptional care truly requires.
“Healthcare would still be funded if we didn’t exist, but it wouldn’t be the same. Our donors make sure that care in our hospitals is not only exceptional, but also compassionate, comfortable and has the human touch.” explains Ryan.
 
The difference our community makes

  • $160 million invested in hospital projects
  • $10 million raised to outfit Te Wao Nui Children’s Hospital. 
  • 590 volunteers supporting patients and whānau
  • 53,295 volunteer hours contributed in the past year
  • 57,000+ people assisted by volunteer hospital guides last year
  • 96 sick babies came from around the country for specialist NICU care last year 

As the Foundation celebrates two decades of support, it continues to look ahead, working with front facing hospital teams to identify emerging needs and respond swiftly where help is needed most.
“Every day we see the difference our community makes. From cutting edge technology that saves lives, to simple comforts that make a hospital stay easier” says Ryan.  “For 20 years, our community has helped our hospitals go beyond great care. We know the healthcare budget is under enormous pressure and there is still so much more to do so that our hospital teams have the tools, training and spaces they need to respond to whatever comes through their doors. Together, we are building a stronger more resilient health system – one that puts people first.” 
To support the public hospitals in our region please donate at whf.org.nz.
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Health and Employment – Coroner warns short staffing creating high risk of catastrophic event

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Coroner’s findings into the death of Taranaki man Len Collett put Te Whatu Ora on notice that “consciously deciding” to under-resource the local Emergency Department creates a high risk of “another catastrophic event”, NZNO says.
Coroner Ian Telford today released his findings into the death of Leonard (Len) Collett at Taranaki Base Hospital Emergency Department (ED) in 2020 which was caused by injuries suffered in a fall.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says NZNO extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to Len’s wife Vicky and whānau.
“In her statement to the Coronial Inquest into her husband’s death, Vicky Collett said she wanted to make sure what happened to Len never happens again to a patient. NZNO is speaking out on behalf of our members who also want to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“The Coroner found that on the evening of Len’s death, the ED was nine patients over capacity. It was fully staffed but a nurse and a health care assistant had been redeployed from other areas of the hospital,” Kerri Nuku says.
“He found all nursing staff involved with Len’s care were excellent and there was no concerns with knowledge, skill or competence.
“What is most concerningly is that an assessment of the resourcing in the ED in May this year – five years later – found it was operating with a 15 full-time equivalent staffing deficit and ‘funding to recruit into these vacancies has not been approved’.
“The findings go on to warn: ‘Put simply, if this Emergency Department continues to operate without adequate staffing and an appropriate skill mix to safely care for and monitor patients, the risk of another catastrophic event occurring remains high.’
Kerri Nuku says nurses have been telling Te Whatu Ora for more than a year that short staffing is putting patients at risk.
“These findings put Te Whatu Ora on notice. It is time for Te Whatu Ora – and the Government – to listen to those who are caring for our sick and vulnerable.
“Safe staffing saves lives. Aotearoa New Zealand needs nurse-to-patient ratios now and funding based on patient need, not an arbitrary cost cutting budget set by the Government.
“Our nurses are exhausted from being constantly short staffed and stressed because they can’t get to their patients when they’re needed, redeployed around hospitals to patch up Te Whatu Ora’s most dire under-resourcing, burnt out since Covid, and moving to Australia where they have safe staffing ratios,” Kerri Nuku says. 
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BusinessNZ – One year on: Keeping track of small business promises

Source: BusinessNZ

The Government is making good on its promise to cut red tape but BusinessNZ says further action is urgently needed, following a new report on reducing compliance costs for small businesses.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says extensive consultation between the BusinessNZ Network, Government and small businesses in 2024 led to a list of policy actions to pursue for each sector.
One year on, BusinessNZ has published its Progress Report – tracking where the Government has cut red tape and identifying areas requiring urgent attention.
“Overall, we’ve seen genuine engagement and positive steps toward reducing the burden on small and medium-sized businesses, which make up 97 percent of all businesses in New Zealand,” Rich says.
“Because they represent the vast majority of our economy, it’s important that the BusinessNZ Network keeps constructive pressure on the Government to deliver on the compliance cost issues raised last year.”
Rich points to the barbering and hairdressing sector as a model example, where feedback in BusinessNZ’s 2024 report led to the removal of outdated and overly prescriptive regulations, allowing business owners to get on with their work.
“The Ministry for Regulation’s engagement with businesses, councils, and industry bodies was thorough and resulted in a commonsense solution that still protects public health while removing inconsistent regulation.
“Other areas showing positive progress include procurement, anti-money laundering obligations, and duplication of data requirements.”
Rich says BusinessNZ wants to see a similar approach applied across all sectors and particularly in areas where little has changed in a year such as forklift licensing, where in-house competency assessment should be an option.
“It’s one of several compliance burdens where there’s been little to no visible progress so far. One year on, we should be seeing meaningful change in every sector,” Rich says.
“BusinessNZ will continue to keep these issues front of mind for Ministers to ensure progress continues – so New Zealand businesses are free to focus on growing their business and the economy.”
The full progress report is out today and available on the BusinessNZ website: https://businessnz.org.nz/resources_category/reports-publications
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Health Employment – Another 5200 health workers vote to strike on 28 November – PSA

Source: PSA

More than 3 500 Mental Health Nurses and Assistants and Public Health Nurses and 1700 Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist workers – who provide vital support for health care – have voted to strike on Friday 28 November.
The workers have voted to strike in support of their claims for a settlement that ensures safe staffing and a pay increase that keeps pace with cost-of-living increases facing these workers and their families.
“The votes for strike action highlight the deep frustration health workers are feeling with Te Whatu Ora and the Government, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Te Whatu Ora and the Government are not listening to the real concerns of these vital health workers or responding with realistic offers that would enable us to reach a settlement,” Fitzsimons said.
The strike votes
In a ballot that closed last night (Monday 10 November) the Mental Health Nurses and Assistants & Public Health Nurses voted overwhelmingly to strike for four hours from 1pm to 5pm on Friday 28 November. The vote followed a mediation with Te Whatu Ora last Friday where no settlement was reached.
The Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist Workers collective (PAKS) voted to strike in their ballot, which closed on Friday night (7 November). This collective includes workers who keep IT systems working 24/7 and data secure, who provide supplies and equipment, keep payrolls functioning and provide other vital policy support.
These two votes swell the number of health workers striking on Friday 28 November to about 16,700.
On Friday (7 Nov) 11,500 Allied health workers, who include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, Māori health specialists, scientists, anaesthetic technicians, and many more health professions, voted to strike on 28 November after their mediation failed to deliver meaningful results.
“These health workers are reluctantly taking strike action. They care deeply about their patients and their work and will ensure life preserving services continue. But they feel they have no choice when their concerns are not responded to,” Fitzsimons said.
“The pay offers for the three collectives still doesn't keep pace with inflation – they are effectively a pay cut. Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need.
“The PSA remains committed to settling these collectives. Mental Health Nurses and Assistants & Public Health Nurses will have another round of mediation on Friday 14 November, and the PAKS collective on Tuesday 25 November.
“Overworked and undervalued health workers need to once again send a strong message to the Government: value us, listen to us, and address the staffing crisis that's compromising patient care across the country,” Fitzsimons said.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health, and community groups.
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Awards – ProCare wins 2025 Cooperative Business New Zealand Innovation Award

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider ProCare has been named the winner of the 2025 Cooperative Business New Zealand Innovation Award, recognising its bold approach to transforming primary care through technology, partnerships, and smarter systems.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive of ProCare says, “Innovation is central to how we operate.”

“This award reflects the collective strength of our network and the impact we can achieve when we work together. We’re proud to be leading the way in shaping the future of primary care in New Zealand.”

The award celebrates ProCare’s commitment to using innovation to address challenges and create opportunities for practices, patients, and communities.

Recent initiatives include investing in digital platforms such as Te Ara, which provides practices with better insights and data to improve care, and Tacklit which empowers our mental health teams to streamline operations, deepen patient engagement, and unlock meaningful insights — all while maintaining real human connection.

ProCare has also developed digital assistants to reduce administrative burden, partnered with AI platforms to enhance efficiency and patient experience, and launched Health Accelerator, a joint venture with three other primary care providers, to test and scale new solutions across 500 practices and 2 million patients nationwide.

“Our focus is on creating practical solutions that make a real difference for clinicians and patients,” adds Norwell. “By investing in digital platforms, AI partnerships, and initiatives like Health Accelerator, we’re ensuring that primary care is equipped to meet the needs of today — and tomorrow.”

The ProCare Group includes ProCare Health, one of New Zealand’s largest primary health organisations, Fresh Minds, its mental and behavioural health and wellbeing service, and joint ventures such as Health Accelerator and CareHQ, a virtual care service delivered in partnership with Southern Cross.

For the practices in its network, ProCare’s goal is simple: to provide the best tools, resources, and advice so they can succeed in caring for communities. These initiatives reflect ProCare’s commitment to working at the edge of what’s next and best for primary health.

This recognition follows a series of milestones for ProCare, including the rapid introduction of AI-driven tools, leadership of the National Primary Care Services Scheme (NPTSS), and initiatives to support GPs into practice ownership.

 

For more information about ProCare’s initiatives and impact, visit www.procare.co.nz/news.You can also read Cooperative Business New Zealand’s announcement of the awards here.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

 

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz