5726 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister of Education

5726 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister of Education: How, if at all, does the Ministry of Education refreshed curriculum contribute to achieving the key shifts outlined in the Action Plan for Pacific Education 2020 - 2030?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am leading an ambitious education work programme to raise achievement for all students, including Pacific students. Actions include: • a year-by-year curriculum that is knowledge-rich and clear about the knowledge and practices to teach • structured approaches to literacy and maths that are embedded within the curriculum and supported by professional learning and development • a strengthened approach to consistent progress monitoring with the introduction of high-quality tools (such as Phonics Checks and SMART) • targeted supports to accelerate student progress and achievement when needed (such as intervention staffing, maths tutoring, and an online writing tool), as well as significant new investment in learning supports. Additionally, Budget 2025 provided $6.63 million for homework and tutoring services for learners in Years 9–10 at schools with 50 percent or more Pacific learners. This is designed to support more Pacific learners to meet NCEA co-requisites. I am advised that the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) continues to develop resources and supports for learners in Pacific bilingual and immersion settings as noted in Key Shift 1 of the Refreshed 2023 Action Plan for Pacific Education 2020-2030. Resources include Pacific Instructional readers, teacher support materials, and e-books in a range of Pacific languages. The Ministry is also developing phonics checks and reading and writing assessments in Gagana Sāmoa and Lea Faka-Tonga. Bilingual maths resources are in development to support learning in a range of Pacific languages. The refreshed curriculum supports the key shifts in the Action Plan by strengthening Pacific languages, improving teaching practice, and supporting learners’ wellbeing. It provides clearer expectations for year level learning and includes resources for Pacific bilingual and immersion education. It also promotes strong partnerships with families and communities to support student success.