Curriculum Changes - FAQs

How are the new phases related to my current year levels?

The five phases of the refreshed curriculum are:

• Phase 1: Years 0–3
• Phase 2: Years 4–6
• Phase 3: Years 7–8
• Phase 4: Years 9–10
• Phase 5 (Tūārere): Years 11–13

When do I have to start using the new curriculum documents for Years 9 &10?

2026 for English, Maths & Stats, Te Reo Rangatira and Pāngarau are already mandated

2027 for the remaining six learning areas

Will the time allocated to my subject change?

In the draft NZC Framework (page 13) the Ministry have provided some ‘approximate time allocations across learning areas for Years 0-8 and Year 9 and 10 (i.e. up to phase 4). It is stated that this information is advice for school leaders making decisions.

We don’t yet know if this will be in the final version of the curriculum, and we don’t know whether it will be advice for schools or mandated.

We are continuing to ask this question of the Ministry of Education so that teachers can have certainty as soon as possible.

When will the years 0-10 National Curriculum documents be finalised?

12 August: Science and Social Sciences

26 August: Pūtaiao and Pūmanawa Tangata, the corresponding wāhanga ako in Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, 

9 September: The remaining subjects

When do I have to start using the new curriculum documents for Year 11-13?

2028 for all learning areas at Year 11, with a phased introduction after that for Years 12 & 13'

What are the new subjects being offered?

At Years 11, 12 and 13 there are some new subjects being made available.

·         Years 12-13 Electronics and Mechatronics

·         Year 12-13 Music Technology

·         Years 12–13 Psychology 

·         Year 11 Business and Economics | Te Mātai Pakihi me to Ōhanga 

·         Years 12–13 Media, Journalism and Communications

·         Year 12–13 Civics, Politics, and Philosophy

What provision is being made for multi-level classes?

We don’t know yet. We are continuing to ask the Ministry of Education how the realities of the multi-level classroom fit with the new curriculum’s focus on different content for different year levels.

Given that the Year 9-10 curriculum is not finalised until Sept 2026 – how will I be supported to rewrite my teaching and learning programme?

The Minister of Education has approved some teacher only days for curriculum implementation (2 days in 2026 and 2 in 2027). Your school will let you know when these will be.

Some subject associations may also be offering planning support.

If you feel like you are not being supported adequately to implement the changes and need help talking to your school leadership about this, please contact your local field officer.

What do I do if my teaching hours or subjects are changing because of the new curriculum?

If your conditions of employment are changing and you need help talking to your principal about it, contact your local field officer.

What is PPTA doing to advocate for teachers who have concerns about the curriculum changes?

We are encouraging branches to bring their feedback to their school boards so that they know how the curriculum changes will affect teachers and learners, and can be a trusted voice in taking any concerns with the Minister of Education.

We have materials to support branches to do this, find them on the PPTA website

Where can I find out more?

The Ministry of Education has more information on their website: Implementation