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Choose NZ Made over Black Friday

Source: Buy NZ Made

As retailers gear up for another frenzy of imported bargains this Black Friday, Buy NZ Made is encouraging Kiwis to turn their attention homeward – to the products, services, and people that make New Zealand stronger.
“Black Friday is often about flash sales and offshore profits,” Buy NZ Made Executive Director Dane Ambler says. “NZ Made Week [Nov 17-23] is about something much more meaningful – keeping money in local communities, supporting skilled jobs, and strengthening the backbone of our economy.”
Every dollar spent on New Zealand-made products or services recirculates through the economy, supporting small businesses, trades, transport, and regional supply chains. That ripple effect creates real, lasting value – not just fleeting discounts.
“Buying NZ made means you get local service, trusted quality, and the satisfaction of knowing your purchase directly supports other Kiwis.”
Local producers often lead the way in ethical sourcing, reduced shipping emissions, and responsible manufacturing – values increasingly important to conscious consumers.
“NZ Made Week reminds us that there’s pride in what we make here,” Ambler says. “When we back local, we back resilience, innovation, and the future of Aotearoa’s economy.”
Buy NZ Made is running 50+ giveaways from its licence holders across Facebook and Instagram. Kiwis are encouraged to look for the iconic Kiwi logo, share their favourite local brands, and use the hashtag #NZMadeWeek to show their support.
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ProCare launches HealthForce NZ – supporting Primary Healthcare workforce solutions

Source: ProCare

ProCare is proud to announce the official launch of HealthForce NZ, a newly rebranded workforce subsidiary designed to meet the ever evolving and increasingly complex needs of Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary care sector.

HealthForce NZ is a dedicated recruitment and workforce support service, offering smart, tailored solutions for both clinical and non-clinical roles – whether permanent, locum, onsite, or virtual.

Backed by ProCare’s extensive experience and trusted reputation in primary healthcare, HealthForce NZ is uniquely positioned to attract top talent both locally and internationally, while delivering community-based support to general practices across the country.

Bindi Norwell, Group Chief Executive at ProCare says: “HealthForce NZ is more than just a recruitment agency – it’s a strategic partner for the primary care sector. We know the challenges our healthcare workforce is facing, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to support, strengthen, and sustain it for the future.”

Bringing together a range of services under one cohesive identity, HealthForce NZ includes:

•      Recruitment services (formerly Employment Plus)

•      HR and general employment advice and support service

•      Advocacy and bargaining representation (PCBC)

•      Workforce development and training support

•      Strategic programme support, including initiatives like Fresh Minds’ Workplace Wellbeing offering and other Health New Zealand workforce programmes.

The HealthForce NZ team is made up of experienced professionals with deep sector knowledge and a passion for supporting the people who care for our communities. From expert HR advice to innovative development programmes for GPEPs, NZREX graduates, Practice Nurses, and Primary Mental Health professionals, HealthForce NZ is a one-stop shop for workforce solutions.

“Our team understands the realities of managing primary care businesses – because we’ve been there,” adds Norwell. “That’s why we’ve built a service that’s responsive, practical, and grounded in the needs of our practices and their people.”

HealthForce NZ offers a centralised point of contact for all workforce needs, providing access to high-quality candidates, tailored development programmes, and strategic support to help practices thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

To learn more, visit www.healthforcenz.co.nz or follow HealthForce NZ on LinkedIn. For recruitment, training, advocacy, or workforce support, contact the team at info@healthforcenz.co.nz.

About HealthForce NZ

HealthForce NZ is a dedicated workforce solutions provider, supporting the recruitment, development, and wellbeing of Aotearoa’s primary care workforce. A subsidiary of ProCare, HealthForce NZ offers tailored services across clinical and non-clinical recruitment, workforce development, advocacy, and strategic programme delivery.

With deep sector expertise and a commitment to equity, HealthForce NZ partners with general practices and health organisations to attract top talent, support professional growth, and strengthen the sustainability of the healthcare workforce. From HR advisory to innovative training pathways and wellbeing initiatives, HealthForce NZ is your trusted partner in building a thriving, future-ready workforce. For more information, visit www.healthforcenz.co.nz.

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.

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PSA – New phase in Police Mental Health Response Change programme launching today leaves unacceptable gaps in worker and patient safety

Source: PSA

The PSA is condemning the continued implementation of the Police’s Mental Health Response Change programme, saying it leaves mental health workers and patients unacceptably vulnerable to harm.
The union was formally notified by Police in early November that Phase Three of the programme would kick in from today.
“We have been consistent on this since the Mental Health Response Change launched: these changes are dangerous and will cause harm. We call on Health NZ to properly consider the support needed given the withdrawal of Police from this important work,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
This new phase will see a higher threshold in operation for mental health workers seeking Police assistance with unwell patients, as well as a new process for patients who abscond from facilities.
For both new procedures, staff can engage Police only when there is an imminent threat to life or property. The change also means that these emergency calls will be triaged along with every other request that comes through the 111 line.
“Mental health nurses and healthcare assistants work in what can be quite dangerous conditions, with very unwell people who can act unpredictably, they must have a direct line to Police,” Fitzsimons says.
“Health NZ has said it does not expect them to put themselves in harm’s way, but the reality is that for many situations workers must at least do an assessment in-person, leaving themselves open to verbal and physical abuse.
“Furthermore, mental healthcare is legally highly complex. Security staff, for example, don’t have the same rights under the Mental Health Act as clinicians do. There are a whole lot of practical realities Health NZ seems to refuse to acknowledge.”
Fitzsimons says that mental healthcare staff are just as concerned for their patients as they are they their own safety.
“At three in the morning, moving patients in crisis is often highly disruptive not only to their family but the neighbourhood. These patients already face high levels of stigma for the conditions they have – it’s not fair on them or the workers.
“Mental health workers understand that the Police can’t do everything. But there are a whole lot of what-ifs that haven’t been thought through, and at the end of the day patients and families are the ones who miss out.”
The Police Mental Health Response Change Programme was first launched in November 2024. Over the past 12 months, Police have steadily withdrawn their support at mental health callouts, including at inpatient wards, community facilities, during transportation and at Emergency Departments.
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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Appointments – GUARDIANS APPOINTS NEW GM PEOPLE & CULTURE

Source: Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, manager of the $85 billion NZ Super Fund, has appointed Leona Cheffins as General Manager People & Culture, effective 17 November.

Most recently GM People & Culture at The Public Trust, Ms Cheffins has also held senior human resources roles at IAG, One New Zealand and Kantar.

Ms Cheffins, who has a Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons) in Finance and Economics from the University of Waikato, began her career as a finance and strategy consultant before turning her focus to people and organisational development.

Guardians CEO Jo Townsend says Ms Cheffins’ background in finance and her broad experience as a management consultant and HR leader made her ideally suited to her new role.

“I am looking forward to Leona contributing to the future success of the Guardians as we focus on ensuring we are well set up to manage our expected growth,” Ms Townsend said.

“With Treasury currently forecasting our value will top $150 billion in 10 years’ time, it’s essential we have the right people and the right structures in place to achieve our objectives.”

Ms Cheffins said the Guardians was a high-performing organisation with an excellent reputation.

“I am very much looking forward to joining the team and supporting the important work the Guardians does.”

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Energy Sector – Electricity Authority proposes reining in high up-front charges to connect to electricity networks

Source: Electricity Authority

Excessively high up-front costs to connect to electricity networks can be a barrier to development, slow down electrification and leave New Zealanders worse off, says the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority).
“Electricity is key to a growing and thriving economy,” says Authority General Manager Networks and System Change Tim Sparks. “But high costs to connect to networks can have an impact on new housing and commercial developments, EV charging stations and other critical infrastructure.
“Reducing very high up-front charges would help enable and encourage efficient development. Not only is this good for the economy, it means the network costs would be shared among more people on the network.
“We’re seeking feedback on our proposal to rein in excessively high connection costs, which are a known problem in some parts of the country,” Sparks said.
“We think people should pay all their costs for connecting to networks over time, as well as their share of other network costs. However, data indicates a small number of lines companies have been requiring newly connecting customers to pay more than their share.”
“The proposal is targeted so we would intervene only where it’s needed. Most of the 29 lines companies – and their customers – wouldn’t be affected.
“We acknowledge this proposal could mean the few lines companies that would be affected respond by increasing their lines charges for existing customers on their network. We expect this increase would be very small. As an illustrative example, in Auckland we estimate existing households could initially face an increase of between 22 cents and 66 cents a month.”
This proposal complements other Authority rule changes coming into effect next year to make connection pricing methodologies more efficient, transparent and consistent across regions, and to make connecting to the network easier and faster.
At the same time, the Authority is seeking feedback on its proposed approach to introduce obligations for when lines companies must offer and maintain connections to their networks.
“Electricity is an essential service. We think there should be some obligations for when lines companies must supply electricity. This would provide greater clarity from the outset about lines companies’ obligations for connections. We look forward to receiving feedback,” Sparks said.
The proposed new rules would be an interim solution ahead of further potential changes to improve connection pricing efficiency across the board.
Submissions on these proposals by 5pm, Friday 19 December 2025. 
For more information:
Register to join our webinar at 9.30am, Monday 17 November to hear more about the issues, the Authority’s current thinking, proposed solutions and how to share feedback: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d3e451be-2bd4-42dc-8606-306670a7f6ec@01ce6efc-7935-414f-b831-2b1d356f92e4
Customer impacts
The potential customer impacts of the targeted pricing intervention exclude GST and have been modelled for the years beginning 1 April 2028 and 1 April 2029 when changes to excessive up-front costs could come into play. The Authority anticipates possible further reform of connection pricing methodologies to come into effect from 1 April 2030 to tie in with the Commerce Commission’s price setting for distributors for 2030-2035. Longer-term modelling of potential customer impacts of this proposal will be released in the coming weeks.
Background
In July 2025, the Authority announced two sets of rule changes to improve connection pricing methodologies and the application processes for connecting to networks. Following feedback, decisions were deferred at the time on the two issues these proposals aim to address.  
The Electricity Authority is an independent Crown Entity with the main statutory objective to promote competition in, reliable supply by, and the efficient operation of, the electricity industry for the long-term benefit of consumers. The additional objective of the Authority is to protect the interests of domestic consumers and small business consumers in relation to the supply of electricity to those consumers.
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Tāmaki Makaurau welcomes thousands of delegates at world’s largest Indigenous education conference WIPCE 2025

Source: World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) 2025

Haere mai e ngā iwi taketake o te ao
Haere mai ki ahau o Ngāti Whātua
Ki Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri
Haere mai, e tau, e tau, e tau nei e.

Iwi manaaki for the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) 2025 Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei welcomed more than 3,000 Indigenous knowledge holders, educators and leaders from across the globe in a powerful pōwhiri hosted yesterday at The Cloud. WIPCE 2025 is hosted by Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau – Auckland University of Technology.

WIPCE is the world’s largest and most significant event dedicated to Indigenous education. With 3,800 registered delegates, WIPCE 2025 is set to be the biggest academic conference in the history of Aotearoa, and also the country’s largest conference hosted this year. This morning’s pōwhiri set the tone for a momentous week grounded in Indigenous excellence, connection and purpose.

“Our gathering comes at a pivotal time not only for the future direction of Indigenous education but for Indigenous rights more broadly, and we are immensely grateful for the pōwhiri yesterday hosted by iwi manaaki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, which highlighted the sheer  importance of those themes within the unique dimensions of Indigenous ceremony, language and ritual,” says WIPCE 2025 Co-Chair Meihana Durie.

It’s the first time in 20 years that Aotearoa New Zealand has hosted this event, uniting voices from across the world to celebrate, preserve and advance Indigenous knowledge, languages and ways of learning. A large number of the delegates are international and have flown to Tāmaki Makaurau for this prestigious event.

“As the tangata whenua of central Tāmaki, we were proud to launch this very special kaupapa, leading the pōwhiri and welcoming the many indigenous nations to our lands,” says Marama Royal, Heawahine (Chairperson), Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Following the official opening, a ‘Parade of Nations’ of more than 4,000 travelled from Queen Street to Aotea Square, showcasing at least 20 diverse countries attending WIPCE. Delegates were proudly dressed in their Indigenous kākahu (attire), filling Auckland’s city centre with colour and pride.

Durie says, “Both the pōwhiri and Parade of Nations were potent expressions of our unity as Indigenous Peoples. They reminded us that every aspect of this conference is grounded in tikanga and our shared values, and that our true strength lies in standing together as one.”

WIPCE International Council Chair, Dr Noe Noe Wong-Wilson says this morning was an affirmation of Indigeneity.

“WIPCE is the only educational platform designed specifically for native peoples from around the world to come together to share our stories, our challenges and our successes with each other. Coming to Aotearoa and being welcomed in the Māori way was beautiful, especially to see The Cloud completely full, it was really emotional.”

The celebrations continued at the Te Ao Pūtahi Festival, where the public enjoyed live performances by Ngā Tūmanako, Sons of Zion, Corrella, Jackson Owens, Betty-Anne, IA and Seth Haapu. This vibrant and free event features different ‘ao’ or ‘worlds’, focusing on culture, food, healing and trade. Indigenous stallholders will be providing free hands-on creative workshops and storytelling sessions, as well as selling kai and gifts. Te Ao Pūtahi is open daily until Thursday 20 November, from 11 am each day.

With welcoming formalities complete, the official programme for WIPCE 2025 begins today, featuring an exceptional line up of keynote and guest speakers, including Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Dr Mere Skerrett, Associate Professor Jeffrey Ansloos, Dr Teina Rongo and Cliff Curtis.

WIPCE 2025 Co-Chair Damon Salesa says it’s an honour to host such an extraordinary range of speakers.

“Each kaikōrero brings their unique perspectives and knowledge. This conference is an opportunity to listen, learn and be inspired by those who continue to lead and shape Indigenous education across the world,” says Salesa.

More than 3,000 delegates are also taking part in 21 Te Ao Tirotiro hosted cultural excursions held during the week throughout Tāmaki Makaurau – from waka sailing on the Waitematā to hāngī. These excursions introduce delegates to te ao Māori, manaakitanga and New Zealand’s unique cultural tourism.

WIPCE 2025 will run until Thursday 20 November, concluding with a closing ceremony and karakia, marking a week of learning, connection and kōtahitanga (unity).

WIPCE 2025 Keynote Speakers:

Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Education Systems and Practices | Monday 17 November, 8:45 am

Associate Professor Mere Skerrett, Science and Technology | Monday 17 November, 1 pm

Ani Mikaere, Politics, Self-Determination and Decolonisation | Tuesday 18 November, 8:45 am

Eru Kapa-Kingi, Youth | Tuesday 18 November, 1 pm

Associate Professor Jeffrey Ansloos, Health and Wellbeing | Wednesday 19 November, 8:45 am

Dr Teina Rongo, Environment and Climate | Wednesday 19 November, 1 pm

Professor Leonie Pihama and Raniera Proctor, Linguistic and Cultural revitalisation | Thursday 20 November, 8:45 am

Katie Wolfe and Cliff Curtis, Creative Arts and Media | Thursday 20 November, 11:30am

Guest Speakers

Rosa Hibbert-Schooner, Monday 17 November, 4:25 pm

Dr Jon Osorio, Tuesday 18 November, 4:25 pm

Dr Spero Manson, Wednesday 19 November, 4:25 pm.

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Poll – New poll shows most New Zealanders believe the health system is broken

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Two-thirds of New Zealanders believe the state of the New Zealand public health system is poor, a new poll by Talbot Mills Research has found.
These findings are being released as more than 37,500 of NZNO’s Te Whatu Ora nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora begin two-week strike actions which will highlight unsafe staffing levels throughout the public health system. The actions follow stalled collective agreement negotiations.
The Talbot Mills Research polled 1020 people, asking them to describe the public health system in one word.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) delegate Noreen McCallan says some of the words can’t be repeated in public.
“Broken, underfunded and struggling were among the most used words.
“Surprisingly, more than half of the governing coalition parties' own voters said the public health system is poor. And more than half of all voters say the Coalition Government isn’t focused enough on fixing it,” she says.
“After more than a year of negotiations with Te Whatu Ora, and 37 days of bargaining, NZNO members’ concerns that short staffing is putting patients at risk still aren’t being heard, Noreen McCallan says.
“Te Whatu Ora is increasingly relying on the goodwill of health workers to cover-up chronic short staffing by redeploying them away from their patients to fill roster gaps in other parts of hospitals and public health.
“Te Whatu Ora was warned last week by the Coroner investigating the death of Taranaki man Len Collett that ‘consciously deciding’ to under-resource is creating a high risk of ‘another catastrophic event’.
“It is time for enforceable safe staffing nurse to patient ratios now,” Noreen McCallan says.
Notes:
  • From Monday 17 to Sunday 30 November, more than 37,500 NZNO Te Whatu Ora members will only perform their duties and shifts as set out in their rosters. They will not accept:
  • Being redeployed to other areas. 
  • Changes to their duties or shifts. 
  • For the week of Monday 24 to Sunday 30 November they will not accept: Proposed amendments to their rosters.
  • This action will occur at every place in New Zealand where Health New Zealand provides health services and/or disability support services.
  • As always, NZNO members will provide Life Preserving Services as agreed between NZNO and Te Whatu Ora. 
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Insurance Sector – Survey reveals Kiwis concerned about natural hazards driving up insurance costs

Source: Insurance Council of NZ

A new nationwide survey has found that most New Zealanders believe natural hazards such as earthquakes, flooding, and sea level rise are having a significant impact on property insurance premiums.
The research, based on responses from more than 1,000 people, highlights widespread concern about both the affordability and accessibility of insurance in the face of increasing climate and natural hazard risks.
“These results show that New Zealanders are highly aware of the pressures natural hazards and climate change are placing on insurance,” ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi said.
“We need a combined effort from government, councils, and communities to reduce risks and ensure insurance remains accessible.
Key findings include:
  • 67% of respondents said natural hazards impact their insurance premiums “a great deal” or “a fair amount.” This view was stronger among older New Zealanders, professionals, homeowners without mortgages, and those who had recently made a claim.
  • Around one in four felt they did not have sufficient access to clear information about natural hazards when owning or buying a property. Wellington respondents were less likely than average to believe they had sufficient access.
  • The top factors seen to impact the accessibility of property insurance were the occurrence of a major natural disaster in New Zealand and the growing risks of severe weather events.
  • The most popular actions New Zealanders want to see taken to reduce the risk of insurance becoming unavailable include restricting building in high-risk areas and investing in stronger flood defences and infrastructure to protect against sea level rise.
“The findings underline the growing need for transparent hazard information, smarter land-use decisions, and resilient infrastructure investment to maintain long-term insurance accessibility in New Zealand,” Kris Faafoi said.
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Save the Children – "We are between life and death" – One month after agreement, lives in Gaza are in limbo

Source: Save the Children

One month after an agreed pause in hostilities in Gaza, children and families’ lives remain in limbo, with people unable to start repairs to homes without equipment and many scared to move due to unexploded ordinance or the fear of further airstrikes, Save the Children said. 
While the UN and other aid agencies are doing all they can to scale up assistance, the amount of aid entering Gaza is nowhere near enough to meet the needs of children and families facing their third winter since the war started, and Save the Children still hasn’t had its own supplies enter Gaza since March. 
While the entry of commercial supplies means there is now some food, medicine and soap in the markets, many essential items remain scarce, and food prices remain higher than pre-conflict levels, particularly for freshly produced and key staple commodities such as rice and pulses, according to the World Food Programme. [1] 
Renewed Israeli military airstrikes that killed more than 100 people including 46 children two weeks ago left communities terrified once more and distrustful that the pause will become a definitive ceasefire. 
Recent UN satellite data showed that 198, 273 buildings – about 81% of buildings across Gaza – have been damaged, and several key roads also blocked by rubble. About 62% of the 198,273 damaged structures have been totally destroyed, the UN said . 
Meanwhile, much of the reconstruction materials and heavy equipment needed to repair damaged homes are not entering Gaza, leaving reconstruction at a standstill. The extent of the damage has left children and families unable to return to any sense of normalcy. They remain without proper shelter or basic conditions in which it is fit for children to grow up in, Save the Children said. 
And as long as homes aren’t rebuilt, the skeletal remains of Gaza’s school buildings are still sheltering homeless families, putting education out of reach with children having missed more than two years of formal schooling. The prevalence of unexploded devices among the rubble is also preventing families from returning home, with roughly 70,000 tonnes of explosives still undetonated, according to Palestinian Civil Defence. 
Already, the UN says that the war has led to Gaza having the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world, with a quarter of all injuries being life-changing and requiring rehabilitation. As cold weather approaches, almost the entire population of Gaza is still living in tents, many of which have been battered and damaged by two harsh winters, including flooding last year that Save the Children said turned “camps into swamps” . 
People are using blankets and other materials they can find to patch up holes in their tents, the aid organisation said, with tents, other shelter supplies, and hygiene kits stuck in warehouses since March. 
Shurouq, Multimedia Manager at Save the Children in Gaza, said: 
“We are between life and death. We keep hearing about people still being killed or injured, and the resumption of war could resurge at any time, attacks could happen at any moment. This is one of the reasons people are not returning to the north – we cannot return until we see that things are better. 
“Borders are still closed, so we are still under siege, trapped and blocked. Machinery, equipment and materials are still not entering Gaza.” 
Save the Children said that the pause in hostilities must become an immediate and definitive ceasefire, as the only way to save lives in Gaza and end grave violations of children’s rights. For children to have access to essential humanitarian aid and services, Israeli authorities must lift the siege and ensure all border crossings are open and fully operational, aid restrictions reduced, and services resumed. Additional crossings need to be opened, including those providing direct access to the growing number of people in the north of the strip. 
Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, said: 
“A month ago, people in Gaza had a cautious optimism. But instead of the Strip being flooded with aid and equipment to demine and rebuild, children and families remain in limbo. The absence of childhood normalities, like going to school, is felt even more strongly, with consequences that threaten the very fabric of Palestinian society for generations to come. 
“Children in Gaza, now in their third year with no school, are staring into their futures. It is up to the international community to ensure these futures are filled with opportunity, hope, and fulfilment of their rights.” 
Save the Children, alongside local partners, are delivering lifesaving services to children and families across the occupied Palestinian territory, running health clinics, nutrition points, water and sanitation services, child protection programmes including mental health support and case management, child friendly spaces, education in temporary learning spaces, and cash transfer programmes to support families whose livelihoods have been decimated. 
With additional funding and access, Save the Children will be able to bring in more essential items, including shelter and winter kits, as well as cash provisions for families to buy whatever they need. The aid organisation said that it has supplies in Egypt ready to go into Gaza as soon as it is granted access, including 10,000 hygiene kits and lifesaving medical items. 
[1] Market Monitor – Gaza; WFP Palestine Food Security Analysis, October 2025
See more about Save the Children’s lifesaving operations work here: https://www.contenthubsavethechildren.org/Package/2O4C2SNAQ2ES
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Education – Open Letter to the Minister of Education from the Principal|Tumuaki Waihi College

Source: NZ Principals Federation

Open Letter follows:
Tēnā koe Minister
The Illusion of Help: A Call to Slow Down and Trust the Profession
School leaders from across Waihi have issued a united open letter calling for an urgent rethink of the pace and direction of educational reform in Aotearoa.
As the principal of Te Kura Tuarua o Waihī (Waihī College), along with all other principals, my role is to uphold the learning, wellbeing, and aspirations of our rangatahi.
Across Aotearoa, there are 2,500 tumuaki, each holding a unique understanding of their community’s heartbeat. Collectively, that represents over 10,000 years of leadership experience.
In our town alone, our seven tumuaki share almost 50 years of principalship, dedicated to serving this community with integrity and purpose.
Today, I am asking for something simple but vital – the space, respect, and professional trust to slow down, think deeply, and make decisions that truly serve our rangatahi and whānau.
The illusion of help
The pitch is seductive.Ready-made programmes claim to save planning time, reduce stress, and provide consistency. They promise teachers a way out of the crushing workload that continues to drive many from the profession. When you are already stretched thin, saying yes to these offers feels pragmatic, even necessary.
Yet beneath the surface, these reforms are not neutral tools. They carry with them a different vision of education – one that values compliance over creativity, delivery over dialogue, and uniformity over professional judgement. They reduce teaching to the following of a script, eroding the artistry that makes learning meaningful.
And then comes the clincher: fidelity.We are told that in order for students to succeed, programmes must be followed ‘with fidelity’ – as though all brains learn in the same way, and the teacher’s professional judgement is an inconvenience rather than an asset. Fidelity becomes the escape clause. If the programme does not work, it is not the design at fault, but the teacher who is blamed for failing to implement it faithfully. That is not support; that is control.
Why saying yes feels easier
We need to acknowledge this honestly. Our amazing Waihi College teachers are not complacent or lazy. They are change-fatigued and exhausted.
Demands multiply, paperwork grows, and the pressure to meet every new expectation is unrelenting. In that context, saying yes to a new initiative, even one you know is not great, can feel like the only way to keep moving forward.
Each yes becomes a temporary reprieve. But taken together, those small acts of acquiescence add up to something much larger – the gradual silencing of the profession.
Our learners deserve more than a one-size-fits-all education, built for someone else’s country, culture, and context.
The cost of silence
Every easy yes chips away at autonomy. Every unchallenged reform signals that change can continue to be imposed without meaningful dialogue. Over time, this erodes not just workload, but identity.
When teachers lose autonomy, students lose too. Learning becomes narrower, less responsive, and less connected to the diverse communities like ours, that make up Aotearoa.
The builders of learning
As tumuaki, we are more than administrators – we are architects of learning, builders of futures.Imagine constructing a whare. Every wall, beam, and nail must fit the landscape, the weather, and the people who will live there. No imported blueprint could ever account for our whenua, our winds, or our way of life.
So too in education. We build learning environments that fit our community. Each day, we make hundreds of complex decisions about curriculum delivery, hauora, pastoral care, behaviour, and achievement. We employ kaiako who bring light to every rangatahi’s potential, balancing the immediate needs of today with the long-term aspirations of tomorrow.
The reason we make these decisions locally is simple: we are highly skilled, qualified, and experienced professionals.
We are closest to our learners, our whānau, and our iwi. We see the daily realities, the nuanced needs, and the lived experiences that shape our students’ journeys.
Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi
At the heart of our mahi is a steadfast commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi – not as a policy checkbox, but as a living relationship. We remain staunch in our partnerships with iwi, hapū, and whānau, guided by tikanga and mātauranga Māori.
Many current reforms and curriculum changes are drawn from overseas systems, often disconnected from our local context and the developmental needs of our tamariki and rangatahi. Our communities deserve an education that reflects our own stories, values, and identities – one that upholds Te Reo Māori, celebrates diversity, and nurtures belonging.
Reclaiming our professional voice
We call for recognition – not as dissenters, but as trusted professionals who make evidence-based, context-aware decisions every single day.
We ask policymakers to pause.To listen.To recognise that the expertise required to shape effective learning already exists within our schools and communities.
It is time to slow the relentless churn of initiatives and rediscover depth over speed.It is time for politicians to trust the profession.It is time for autonomy to be seen not as resistance, but as a responsibility.
A collective call to action
I ask our kaiako, our rangatahi and our community to speak up when reforms do not serve our learners.Say no when “support” really means control.Ask whether the approach is right for your ākonga, your beliefs, your context.Do not accept blame for poor outcomes when the real issue lies in design, not delivery.
Stand together, so that no one carries the burden of resistance alone.
The true strength of our education system lies not in imported programmes or the next policy wave, but in the thinking teachers and courageous leaders who adapt wisely, hold firm to values, and keep our tamariki and rangatahi at the centre.
The tide of change will not slow on its own.But together, we can choose not to drown in it.
We can choose to stand, to speak, and to reclaim the space to do what matters most:to teach and lead with integrity, humanity, and purpose – for the future of education in Aotearoa.
Ngā manaakitanga nui,
Briar Carden-Scott
Principal – Tumuaki Waihi College