“Over 50% of Te Tai Tokerau principals report major issues with new entrants.”

A new survey by the Tai Tokerau Principals’ Association (TPPA) has revealed major concern over the readiness of five-year-olds starting school across Northland, especially in high-equity index (decile 1–3) schools.

Half of the region’s principals responded to the survey, conducted late last term, highlighting key challenges:

• Lack of Early Childhood Education (ECE): which has impacted on their oral language, social skills, and self-regulation.
• Developmental and Behavioural Needs: Tamariki are arriving with significant delays—causing tantrums, aggression, delayed speech, and poor fine motor skills. One in three schools reports regular serious behavioural incidents from 5 year olds
• Staffing Pressures: 84% of schools have had to hire extra staff —mostly unfunded. 81% of principals say there’s a real need for Ministry-funded Reception Classes to help unprepared learners transition into school.

TPPA President Brendon Morrissey says schools are under increasing pressure:
“Without urgent investment, we risk burning out educators and setting tamariki up for long-term failure.”

TPPA is calling on the Ministry of Education to:

• Fund Reception Class pilots
• Review support funding models
• Expand ECE access in rural and high-needs areas

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