New Zealand’s Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill is now open for public submissions, giving educators, parents, experts, and community groups an opportunity to contribute to major changes proposed for the country’s education system. Submissions to the Education and Workforce Select Committee will remain open until January 14, 2026, allowing wider public input on reforms that could shape schooling and accountability in the years ahead.
The Bill, which has already completed its first reading in Parliament, proposes a wide range of amendments to the Education and Training Act 2020 — New Zealand’s core education law. Lawmakers say the reforms aim to clarify roles across key education agencies, strengthen governance, and enhance system accountability.
Key proposals include establishing the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) to manage school property portfolios and streamlining functions between the Ministry of Education and the Education Review Office (ERO), particularly for private schools and hostels. There are also proposed updates to curriculum requirements, attendance exemptions, and participation in national system monitoring studies to benchmark educational performance.
Another notable aspect under consideration is the proposed transfer of early childhood education (ECE) regulatory functions from the Ministry of Education to the ERO — a shift that has been included for feedback during the select committee process but is dependent on a related amendment. This change aims to create smoother oversight and quality assurance across early learning providers.
Supporters of the Bill argue that reform is needed to make the education system more responsive to modern challenges, streamline administrative processes, and improve outcomes for learners. Meanwhile, unions, teacher groups, and advocacy organizations are preparing submissions to ensure that changes reflect the needs and realities of schools and learners across the country.
Public participation in the consultation process is encouraged, as the submissions collected will inform the committee’s recommendations before the Bill progresses further. Anyone can make a submission — written or oral — through the official New Zealand Parliament submissions portal before the deadline.
As New Zealand seeks to refine its education framework, the open submission period represents an important chance for educators, communities, and stakeholders to help shape the nation’s learning future.
