52382 (2025). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Education

Written Question

Published date: 19 Nov 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	52382 (2025)
Question asked:	04 Nov 2025
Member asking:	Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan
Portfolio:	Minister of Education
Minister replying:	Hon Erica Stanford
Answer received:	13 Nov 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_52382_2025
Document guid:	46bb5ce3-8a13-44cc-917b-c70f71291a5d

52382 (2025). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Education: Why is the Ministry of Education not including kupu Māori in any new Ready to Read Phonics Plus books?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am advised by the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) that, of the 78 books currently available in the Ready to Read Phonics Plus series, approximately 30 include kupu Māori (excluding the names of characters). These titles will continue to be printed and made available into the future. The Ministry has provided additional support for these kupu Māori, sending packs of te reo Māori Kete Cards to all schools. These resources introduce the origins of the words, support correct pronunciation, and explain the sound-letter relationships of te reo Māori. Seven new books in the Ready to Read Phonics Plus series are currently in development. These are planned for release in the coming months and will include Māori names. Twelve further books are planned for release next year, and these will also include Māori names.