Open Letter From The Hawkes Bay Principals' Association To The Minister Of Education

Hon Erica Stanford

Minister of Education

Tēnā koe Minister Stanford,

Open Letter: Sector Concerns Regarding Recent Education Changes

The Hawke’s Bay Primary Principals’ Association represents school leaders from across the Hawke’s Bay, including Central Hawkes Bay and Wairoa regions. Over the past month, we have gathered views from our members on recent policy announcements relating to the revised English and Mathematics curriculum, the proposed knowledge-rich curriculum in other learning areas, the Government’s decision to remove the Treaty of Waitangi clause from the Education and Training Act, and proposed changes to the Teachers Council.

The feedback has been clear, consistent and significant numbers of school leaders are deeply concerned.

Curriculum Change and Implementation

Principals overwhelmingly (more than two thirds of respondents) expressed frustration at the frequency and pace of curriculum reform. Most are concerned that the short time frame to implement the revised English and Mathematics curriculum is unrealistic and risks undermining quality teaching and learning.

Many noted the absence of aligned resources and assessment tools and the lack of genuine consultation with those expected to lead the change. There is considerable frustration that much of the work done over the course of 2025 will now need significant revision due to the changes. There is a shared commitment among our schools to deliver strong literacy and mathematics outcomes, but there is also real concern that the pace and framing of change risks sending a message that runs counter to the values of inclusion, partnership and respect that underpin effective education in Aotearoa.

Knowledge-Rich Curriculum

While our association values a broad and deep curriculum, the majority of respondents were opposed to the framing of a "knowledge-rich" approach as currently presented. Principals highlighted the danger of narrowing teaching to prescriptive content lists and losing the balance between knowledge, inquiry and cultural context that has been a hallmark of the New Zealand Curriculum. There is particular concern that this direction risks diminishing the visibility of Māori knowledge and perspectives within the learning areas.

Treaty of Waitangi Clause

There is an overwhelming consensus among principals opposing the Government’s plan to remove the Treaty of Waitangi clause from the Education and Training Act. This opposition is principled, rather than political. Our members view Te Tiriti o Waitangi as foundational to our education system and to our shared national identity. As self-governing entities, we plan to ensure that giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi will remain a priority for schools in our rohe. Removing this obligation would not change the commitment our schools already make to honour Te Tiriti in their daily practice. It does however require clear assurances from the Government that partnership with the profession remains genuine.

Teachers Council Representation

There was strong opposition to reducing the number of elected representatives on the New Zealand Teachers Council. Our members believe that the teaching profession should have a meaningful voice in its own governance, and that any move to reduce representation risks weakening confidence in the body charged with upholding professional standards. The independence and credibility of the Council rely on genuine professional participation, not political appointment.

Professional Voice and Partnership

As an association, we want to make it clear that we are not resistant to improvement or accountability. We are, however, united in calling for evidence-based, consultative and respectful policy development that allows those closest to the work to be heard. We respectfully ask that you:

1. Reconsider the 2026 implementation timeline for the revised English and Mathematics curriculum and provide appropriate transition time and resourcing. Our members cautioned that hurried implementation without adequate preparation, resourcing or clarity will erode trust and create unnecessary workload for teachers already under strain.

2. Engage directly with NZPF, regional principal associations and the wider profession before progressing further curriculum or legislative changes.

3. Confirm the Government’s ongoing commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the education sector.

4. Retain fair professional representation on the Teachers Council to preserve confidence in its integrity and independence.

Across all four issues, there is a deep sense among principals that education is being reshaped without the partnership, evidence or respect it deserves. These changes have left many in the profession feeling unheard and undervalued. Rebuilding trust between the profession, the Ministry and Government must now be a shared priority if we are to move forward constructively for the sake of our tamariki.

Ngā manaakitanga

Aaron O’Neill, President - Hawke’s Bay Primary Principals’ Association

Cc: Daniel Murfitt - Local Director of Education, Hawke’s Bay/Tairāwhiti, NZPF

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