Education
Teacher elbowed, slapped 8yo student who threw yoghurt over her
The student dove under a desk, crying and swearing after the incident.
Parents fear long-term impacts of asbestos play sand exposure
In the last two weeks there's been rolling recalls of the magic sand used by children and schools across the country. Audio
Secondary principals criticise government clause change
The Secondary Principals' Council of Aotearoa is the latest education organisation to criticise the government for deleting an Education and Training Act clause that required schools to give effect to… Audio
Principals stunned no tally kept of asbestos sand results
The Ministry of Education initially told RNZ that no count was being kept, until the minister intervened. Audio
No complete record being held of schools finding asbestos
Principals and a teachers union say they're stunned and disappointed there's no complete record of how many schools are finding asbestos from coloured sand. Kim Baker Wilson reports. Audio
Advocate hits back as minister alleges 'nasty' pressure on schools
The Education Minister says "very unfair" pressure has been put on schools.
Secondary teachers to vote on new pay offer
Information obtained by RNZ showed it included similar pay rises to previous offers.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 27 November 2025
Attorney-General Judith Collins says the inquiry will look into whether government agencies did everything they could to ensure children were safe; Secondary teachers are voting on a potential… Audio
Potential settlement in secondary school teacher talks
Secondary teachers are voting on a potential settlement of their troubled pay talks. Education correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Lauren Crimp. Audio
Author Fleur Beale, why local stories are crucial for kids
Every year the New Zealand Society of Authors gives out the President of Honour award. The award is to recognise contributions to writing and to the NZ literary scene. This year's recipient is child &… Audio
Professor says minister's claims school trial is 'groundbreaking' is problematic
Erica Stanford said the results showed the government's focus on fixing the basics is working.
Primary principals urge Minister to slow down curriculum changes
Principals told RNZ they could not possibly adopt the most recent changes to the maths curriculum in time for the new year. Audio
Maths education expert questions education ministry decision
A professor is questioning the results of a school maths trial the Education Minister has called groundbreaking. Massey University Professor Jodie Hunter, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Principals say they are at an impasse over school reforms
Regional associations representing hundreds of principals have penned open letters to Education Minister Erica Stanford urging her to slow down curriculum changes, reinstate school boards' obligations… Audio
'Grade inflation': Think-tank warns 'A's will soon be most common uni grade
A new report has analysed grade data from the country's eight universities between 2006 and 2024. Audio
Watch: Luxon and Stanford face questions at school visit
It comes after a turbulent year, with the government pushing through numerous changes which have not always gone down well with teachers and principals.
Is an A grade still impressive? We get a student's perspective
A new report has found a large increase in the number of university students receiving A grades. The think-tank 'The New Zealand Initiative' has analysed grade data from New Zealand's eight… Audio
Number of university students earning A's is on the up
The number of university students earning A's is on the up - and could soon be the most common grade. Dr James Kierstead carried out the study and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
'Grade inflation': Think-tank warns 'A's will soon be most common uni grade
A new report has analysed grade data from the country's eight universities between 2006 and 2024.
Making Ends Meat
As food bills rise, how do we keep meat on the menu? Katy Gosset visits one of Christchurch's oldest butcheries and talks cheap cuts and thrifty options. Audio
