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The Government’s new Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) was published in November 2020 and is available here:

Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) – Education website

We consulted on a draft NELP in the Shaping a Stronger Education System with New Zealanders discussion document in late 2019, which was shaped by what New Zealanders had told us so far about what was important to them for education:

Shaping a Stronger Education System with New Zealanders discussion document

What we learned during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what we heard from learners/ākonga about their experiences during this time, has also contributed to these priorities, and has reinforced the importance of the issues addressed by the NELP and TES priorities.

The NELP shares priorities with the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES), which sets the strategic direction and current and medium priorities for tertiary education. This recognises that learners change and grow as they move through the education system and the education system needs to listen to them, adapt to their needs, and empower them to achieve their aspirations, whatever their age or stage of learning. 

The NELP sets out seven priorities for the early learning and schooling sectors. These priorities are joint with the TES. It also shows what Government is doing and sets out actions early learning services and schools and kura can take to respond to the priorities.

What is the statement of National Education and Learning Priorities?

The Education and Training Act 2020 enables the Minister of Education to issue a Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP).

The NELP will set out the government’s priorities for all of our schools, kura, early learning services, me nga kōhanga reo, and Communities of Learning│Kāhui Ako. The governing bodies of these places of learning will use these priorities, alongside their own local priorities and delivering a rich local curriculum, to help every child and young person to progress and achieve to their potential.

Refer to the NELP provisions in section 5 of the Education and Training Act 2020

How will schools and kura use the NELP?

Boards of trustees of state and state-integrated schools and kura must have particular regard to the NELP, including when developing or renewing their charters. The NELP can be used alongside their own local priorities, and in conjunction with delivering a rich local curriculum, to help every learner/ākonga to progress and achieve their aspirations.

Requirements for boards of trustees in the Education and Training Act

From 1 January 2023, the new strategic planning and reporting framework will be introduced, and the NEGs and the NAGs will be removed. The new planning and reporting framework will have a clear link to the NELP and will require schools and kura to show how they’ve reflected the NELP in their 3-year strategic plans.

Read more about the new planning and reporting framework

Registered private schools must have regard to the NELP when operating the school. They must also ensure that their staff consider the NELP when developing and delivering the curriculum.

Requirements for Managers of Private Schools in Education and Training Act

How will early learning services and ngā kōhanga reo use the NELP?

Licensed early learning services are required to have regard to the NELP as part of the Governance, Management and Administration (GMA) requirements.

Refer to the requirements for licensed early learning services:

GMA: General requirement in the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

How will Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako enact the NELP?

Kāhui Ako that have a statutory agreement with the Secretary for Education will be required to have particular regard to the NELP in developing a plan.

Requirements for Communities of Learning │ Kāhui Ako in the Education and Training Act

Does the Minister need to consult on a NELP before issuing it?

The Minister must, at a minimum, consult with stakeholders in the early childhood and compulsory education sectors.

Legislative requirements for consultation are located in Section 5 of the Education and Training Act 2020:

Section 5: Education and Training Act 2020

Consultation on the NELP took place from September to November 2019. For more details, see Shaping a Stronger Education System with New Zealanders:

Shaping a Stronger Education System with New Zealanders

How often will the Minister issue a NELP?

The NELP remains in effect for a period of five years unless it is earlier withdrawn or replaced by notice in the New Zealand Gazette.