Curriculum Days 2026 & 2027
- Lian Soh
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
The Government has confirmed that schools and kura will be given four half-days each year in both 2026 and 2027 to support the rollout of the refreshed curriculum.
These curriculum days are officially approved under the Education Regulations (8(5) and 9(1)) and do not need to be made up. They are reserved for professional learning and planning, focused solely on:
Preparing for the new English, Te Reo Rangatira, mathematics & statistics, and pāngarau content (from 2026).
Planning for the full Years 0–10 curriculum (from 2027).
👉 Boards must give at least six weeks’ notice to parents and whānau so that families can plan ahead.
👉 These days are not for admin or general activities — they’re about giving kaiako the space to get ready for teaching the new curriculum.
This move sits alongside the Government’s student achievement goals, aiming for 80% of Year 8 students at or above expected levels in reading, writing, and maths by 2030.
🔗 More information: School opening and closing for instruction – Ministry of Education
Reminder: Curriculum Roadshow
If you’re an education leader for Years 0–8 learners, don’t miss the Term 4 Curriculum Roadshow. This free event is designed to help you lead your school or kura through the upcoming changes.
Event highlights:
Opening address: Hon Erica Stanford
Keynote: Dr Nathaniel Swain
Panels: Structured literacy, leadership, evidence-based practice, and building a knowledge-rich curriculum
Resource package: Practical guides for planning and follow-up with staff
📍 Venues: Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Rotorua
👥 Up to two leaders per school/kura can attend in person (others welcome online)
💻 Online option available
This is a great chance to connect with colleagues, hear from national leaders, and gain clarity on how to prepare for 2026 and 2027.
