The government amended teacher eligibility rules for the ten-year compulsory school that begins in autumn 2028, when preschool class is removed and a new Grade 1 is introduced.
Department of Education Order 019, series of 2026, set qualification standards for positions created under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
The Ministry confirmed 5,487 permanent appointments for general education, special education and specialist education support staff for the 2026/2027 school year.
Memorandum 26-067 opened the 2026 national transfer process for study directors, supervisors, primary school directors, general supervisors and heads of works in public education institutions.
The Ministry of Education announced the medium-term teacher supply direction for 2027-2030 in response to demographic change and new education policy needs. The plan gives public hiring ranges for elementary and secondary subject teachers and links staffing to small schools, growing areas, the high school credit system and AI talent development.
The Ministry of Education announced training for about 10,000 elementary and secondary teachers to lead professional classroom use of AI. The 2026 program runs from June 23 to August 7 across six regions.
The National Education Academy launched a Family and Education trainer-training programme to prepare educators who will lead local family education activities. The programme is part of a broader effort to update teacher professional development with workshop-based, interactive and collaborative learning.
New Zealand approved changes to the regulation of the teaching workforce, including moving responsibility for setting teacher standards and initial teacher education criteria to the Secretary for Education. The Teaching Council’s role is also refocused around child safety, quality assurance, monitoring, and individual professional decisions.
New Zealand approved governance changes to the Teaching Council, including reducing the Council from 13 members to between 7 and 9 members. Members will be appointed by the Minister, with at least three required to have education-sector experience.
Circular 0055/2026 set out increases to pay due to primary teachers from 1 June 2026 under the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026. The circular replaced the previous primary teacher salary circular for the earlier 2026 pay stage.