Canterbury Principals Warn Government: Curriculum Reforms Putting Education Quality at Risk
Canterbury primary school principals have issued a stark warning to the Government, saying ongoing curriculum changes are overwhelming teachers and putting the quality of education at risk.
In an open letter to Education Minister Erica Stanford, the Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association (CPPA) urged the Government to delay the rollout of the new English and maths curriculum, calling the pace of reform “unsustainable.”
“Change Overload” in Classrooms
The principals said the latest revisions mark the third major curriculum change in just two years, creating widespread confusion and overwork among school staff.
“The ongoing ‘change overload’ facing schools is unsustainable and places at risk both the quality of education provided to our ākonga and the wellbeing of tumuaki and kaiako,” the letter stated.
The CPPA is calling for the implementation timeline to be pushed back until at least Term 3, 2026, allowing schools time to properly understand and embed the changes through professional development.
Concerns Over a “Knowledge-Rich” Curriculum
The association also criticised the Government’s broader education reform agenda — particularly its push toward a so-called “knowledge-rich” curriculum — saying the timeframes were unworkable and lacked meaningful consultation with teachers and principals.
“Successful implementation requires meaningful consultation with those most connected to teaching and learning. Although we acknowledge the resources made available, the pace and sequencing of these reforms are unrealistic,” the letter said.
Opposition to Treaty and Teaching Council Changes
The principals also pushed back against two other Government moves:
Removing the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and
Restructuring the Teaching Council, which regulates teacher registration and professional standards.
“Our association and members are firmly committed to Te Tiriti. Any move to weaken these responsibilities would be a significant step backward for equity and partnership in education,” the CPPA said.
On the Teaching Council reforms, the association warned that shifting teacher regulation to the Education Ministry would erode trust and independence.
“Maintaining an independent, sector-led Teaching Council is essential to preserve trust between educators and Government,” the letter read.
Minister Responds
Education Minister Erica Stanford acknowledged the concerns and said the Ministry of Education would meet with the Canterbury association on Wednesday, as well as other regional groups throughout the week.
The meetings, she said, were intended to allow open discussion and gather feedback from school leaders about the proposed changes.
Despite the reassurances, Canterbury principals maintain that without a slower, more collaborative approach, the rapid pace of reform could jeopardise both teaching quality and teacher wellbeing across New Zealand schools.