64633 (2024). Hon Willie Jackson to the Minister of Education

64633 (2024). Hon Willie Jackson to the Minister of Education: Does the Minister consider her recent actions and statements regarding the removal of Te Reo Māori courses for teachers, and restoring balance to the Aotearoa NZ histories curriculum, conducive to the Prime Ministers commitment that his government will honor the Treaty of Waitangi, and if not, why not?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am committed to giving practical effect to the Treaty of Waitangi by lifting the achievement of tamariki Māori in all parts of our education system through a range of evidence-based measures. We are refreshing both the NZ Curriculum and Te Marautanga O Aotearoa to be knowledge rich, year by year and grounded in the science of learning. We are investing in structured literacy and maths approaches with resources in both English and te reo Māori. We are also investing in assessments in both English and te reo Māori and I’m especially proud of the first ever phonics check in te reo to ensure our youngest tamariki are on track with their reading. Ring fencing property funds for Kura Kaupapa and including them in network planning for the first time is also an important way in which we can help to raise akonga achievement and close the equity gap.