Curriculum implementation timeline updated | Focus on Science and Pūtaiao
Bay Science has been following a variety of sources such as Tāhūrangi news items, articles and beehive press releases in order to build a clear understanding of the road which lies ahead for science educators.
To date, about a dozen sources have been pieced together to construct a chronological roadmap of everything which lies ahead for us as science teachers.
The latest update takes into account a multitude of information which was released on September 14 2026 on Tāhūrangi (sources 8 - 13 below).
Last Updated: 20th September 2026
Update log
18/08/2026 to include timeframes of the August 12 Science Curriculum in the "About This Document" section.
03/07/2026 to include Tāhūrangi announcements related to the P1-4 finalised rollout.
16/05/26 to account for more news related to NCEA's replacement.
14/05/26 to include a Tāhurangi announcement. For our returning readers, we note that the announcement does not affect the science curriculum rollout.
29/03/26 to include information related to NCEA's replacement.
13/03/26 to include the release date of Phase 5 science subjects.
9/12/25 to include details relating to in-class trialling of the draft; see Term 4 2025 and Term 1 2026.
Curriculum Implementation Timeline
Science and Pūtaiao
Information sources are numbered and can be found at the bottom of this page - please let us know if there are any errors or omissions.
Note: A learning kit will be a complete set of resources – including one annual plan, all units and anchor lessons for all units. These should not be confused with the House of Science kits.
Term 4 - 2025
NZC Framework and TmoA Framework ready for use [1]
Registrations for in-class trialling of the draft curriculum (Y0-10) opens.
Term 1 - 2026
In-class testing for Y0-10 for Pūtaiao and Science [1]
ToD in late Jan to learn more about trialling
Invitations to register interest for trialling closes February 9th; successful registrations notified by February 16, followed by an onboarding session Feb 23-27.
Unpacking TMoA sessions (Feb-Mar 2026).
In-class Trial Support for successfully registered schools (Mar-Apr 2026).
In-class trialling ends at the end of Term 1, with feedback sessions to share experiences and discuss findings.
Consultation for Y0–13 for Pūtaiao and Science [1]. Addendum: this is now only Y0-10. Y11-13 is expected in May-June. Feedback closes April 24th 2026.
Implementation resources for Pūtaiao and Science [1]
Limited release of Science and Pūtaiao kits for Y0–8 [1]
Curriculum Resources: The service will commence in Term 1 and grow throughout 2026, by Term 4 all schools will be able to book a full range of kits for Years 0-8 [2]
Encouraged use of all Y9 content [1]
Framework consultation for New Zealand Curriculum, Te Marautanga o Aotearoa [1]
Curriculum days occurring at a time that suits schools [1]
PLD modules available for cross curriculum design and planning [1]
Curriculum Leadership PLD: Step 2 PLD for school leaders [1]. This statement appears consistent with what is stated in the Curriculum Roadshow PDF [2]
TMoA: Learning Area Resources: Unit/weekly plans. Annual/Term plans. Curriculum Tool [2]
TMoA: Learning Kits Tau 9-10 Pūtaiao [2]
Beehive Press Release - New qualification to replace NCEA: Finalise senior secondary curriculum and develop assessment exemplars. Finalise qualification design.
Term 2 - 2026
Consultation for Y11–13 for Pūtaiao and Science (May-June).
Implementation resources for Pūtaiao and Science [1]
Additional Science and Pūtaiao kits released for Y0-8 [1]
PLD Step 1 available for Pūtaiao and Science
Initial learning kit materials and additional planning resources released for Pūtaiao and Science [1]
TMoA: Commercial texts and Teacher support materials Tau 9-10: Te Reo Rantarita and STEM, 10 different titles [2]
TMoA: Learning kits Tau 9-10 - Includes Teacher guidance, classroom activities with links to additional resources and aromatawai materials avaliable for pūtaiao [2]
Term 3 - 2026
Full release of the entire curriculum (Y0–13) for all learning areas including Science & Pūtaiao [1]. Science will be released on August 12, Pūtaiao on August 26th.
Implementation resources for Pūtaiao and Science [1]
Additional Science and Pūtaiao kits released for Y0-8 [1]
Additional planning resources and learning kit materials released for Science and Pūtaiao [1]
Other learning area and wāhanga ako PLD Years 0-10 (Self-directed and guided supports): i.e. Science | Pūtaiao [2]
Webinars for secondary school principals to support NZC and TMoA implementation planning [9, 10,]
Assessment and Aromatawai PLD for 2027: This PLD supports consistent evidence- based assessment and aromatawai practices aligned to the updated curriculum. Schools and kura will be advised of Round 2 outcomes on 4 September. Due to high demand an additional round for 2027 is under consideration [10]
Learning Kits: Development is currently "underway" on Year 11-13 Learning Kits and will be released in 2027 (Year 11), 2028 (Year 12) and 2029 (Year 13) [9]
House of Science Kits for Years 0-8: 65% of state and state integrated schools able to access by the end of term [11].
Term 4 - 2026
Implementation resources for Pūtaiao and Science [1]
Additional Science and Pūtaiao kits released for Y0-8 [1]
Additional planning resources and learning kit materials released for Pūtaiao and Science [1]
Webinars for secondary school principals who missed the Term 3 webinars; 22 October and 9 November [10]
Twenty regional face-to-face information sessions for school and kura leaders across the motu; October 13 - November 13, and Nov 2 and Nov 9 for leaders who cannot attend the face to face sessions. [9]
Learning Area and Wāhanga Ako for middle leaders and HoDs, Nov 16 - Nov 30 [9]
Schools and kura from Y0-13 can submit an Expression of Interest to participate individually or as part of a hub for High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP) PLD [9, 10]
Learning Kits: All learning areas, wāhanga ako and subjects will have learning kits that are made up of annual, unit and lesson plans. Year 9 learning kits will be released by the end of 2026 to cover all NZC learning areas. TMoA resources and learning kits will continue to expand throughout 2026 and 2027 [9]
House of Science Kits for Years 0-8: 80% of state and state integrated schools able to access by the end of term [11].
Term 1 - 2027
Beehive Press Release - Preparatory year of assessment and PLD for NCEA's replacement.
Science & Pūtaiao mandated for Years 0–8 [1]
Science & Pūtaiao mandated for Years 9–10 [1]
Full offering of Science and Pūtaiao kits available [1]
"From the beginning of 2027" Science (Years 0-10 and Pūtaiao (Tau 0-8). Throughout 2027 and 2028, learning kits will be fully delivered, covering all learning areas and wāhanga ako for Years | Tau 0-10 [10]
Transition Period:
For students in Years 0-8 Schools, schools will need to make a start by developing, and then executing, a plan that achieves full implementation as soon as practicable and by no later than the end of 2028 [6]
For students in Years 9-10, schools will need to make a start by developing, and then executing, a plan that achieves full implementation as aoon as practicable and by no later than the end of 2027 [6]
Additional planning, teaching, and learning supports available on Tāhūrangi for Science and Pūtaiao [1]
PLD Step 2 available [1]. This information aligns with " Learning area and wāhanga ako PLD Years 0-10 (Self-directed and Guided supports)... Science | Pūtaiao" [2]
Curriculum Leadership PLD available [1]. This information aligns with "Curriculum Leadership Stage 1 – Self-directed PLD supports i.e. online learning modules, guides, videos, podcasts... Curriculum Leadership Stage 2 – Guided PLD supports, i.e. facilitated workshops, webinars" [2]
Term 1-4 curriculum days: Up to 4 half days occurring at a time that suits schools, specifically for curriculum implementation [1]
Three days of PLD in 2027 (not sure if they mean Teacher Only Day and if this overrides the 4 half days in the previous bullet) [9]
Mandated for use - goes live for: NZC Framework, TMoA Framework [1]
PLD TMoA Y0-8: From Term 1 2027 will be supported through online PLD sessions led by expert facilitators, complemented by in-kura visits. Regional face-to-face workshops will also be provided by curriculum mātanga. Registration opens from Term 4 on Tāhūrangi [10]
Year 9-10 Online modules: From 2027-2029 modules will be available for each learning area and strand, wāhanga ako and whenu. These modules will unpack what’s new, what’s changed, how to teach and assess. These modules are designed for leaders and teachers to complete at their own pace. Module 1 – Planning and sequencing using the learning kits will be available in January 2027. [9, 10]
Networks of Expertise funded PLD available (i.e. through subject associations). Note, Bay Science is not NEX funded. [9]
Year 11-13 Online modules: From 2027, curriculum experts will support teachers and kaiako to get to know their subject. These will start with Year | Tau 11 in 2027, and will cover what’s new, what’s changed, how to teach and assess your subject [9]
Year 11-13 PLD: In 2027, region or school | wharekura-based subject specific PLD will be available. Sessions will focus on quality teaching and content:
2027: session 1 – Year | Tau 11 subjects
2027: session 2 – Year | Tau 12 subjects [9]
Learning Kits: All learning areas, wāhanga ako and subjects will have learning kits that are made up of annual, unit and lesson plans. Year 9 learning kits will be released by the end of 2026 to cover all NZC learning areas. TMoA resources and learning kits will continue to expand throughout 2026 and 2027 [9]
Year 11 senior secondary resources released in 2027 [9]
Annual Plan for Years 0-6 released [12]
Unit plans, including anchor lessons for all Year 10, and one term of Year 0-8 [12]
NZC kits for Y0-10 available from the beginning of 2027 (TMoA Tau 0-8 in Term 2 2027).
Assessment and Aromatawai PLD for 2027: This PLD supports consistent evidence- based assessment and aromatawai practices aligned to the updated curriculum. Schools and kura will be advised of Round 2 outcomes on 4 September (2026). Due to high demand an additional round for 2027 is under consideration [10]
House of Science Kits (Y0-8) reach 90% of state and state integrated schools by the end of term [12]
Term 2 - 2027
Implementation resources available [1]
Curriculum leadership PLD available [1]
Additional planning, teaching, and learning supports available on Tāhūrangi for Science and Pūtaiao [1]
Learning kits to have resources for multi-level classrooms [8]
Learning Kits: Y0-8, one additional term (includes unit plans, anchor lessons) [12]
Year 9-10 NZC PLD: From Term 2, termly regional learning area face-to-face workshops delivered by expert facilitators will be available. Sessions will focus on quality teaching and learning area curriculum content. Online options will also be available. Registrations will open in Term 1, 2027 [9, 10]
TMoA kits for Pūtaiao Tau 0-8 released [10]
House of Science Kits (Y0-8) reach 99% of state and state integrated schools by the end of term [12]
Term 3 - 2027
Implementation resources available [1]
Curriculum leadership PLD available [1]
Additional planning, teaching, and learning supports available on Tāhūrangi for Science and Pūtaiao [1]
Learning Kits: Y0-8, one additional term (includes unit plans, anchor lessons) [12]
House of Science Kits (Y0-8) reach 100% of state and state integrated schools by the end of term [12]
Term 4 - 2027
Implementation resources available [1]
Curriculum leadership PLD available [1]
Additional planning, teaching, and learning supports available on Tāhūrangi for Science and Pūtaiao [1]
Learning Kits: Y0-8 complete (unit plans, including anchor lessons) [12]
House of Science Kits (Y0-8) full availability[12]
Term 1 - 2028
Beehive Press Release - NCEA Level 1 removed, Year 11 curriculum only, Foundational Award introduced.
Foundational Award for literacy and numeracy, benchmarked at Year 11 introduced this year (source).
Learning area and wāhanga ako mandated for use - Goes live for Year 11: Science and Pūtaiao [1]
Implementation resources available [1]
PLD Step 3 available [1]
Curriculum Leadership PLD available [1]
Term 1-4 curriculum days: Up to 4 half days occurring at a time that suits schools, specifically for curriculum implementation [1]
Four days of PLD in 2028 (not sure if they mean Teacher Only Day and if this overrides the previous bullet point) [9]
Additional planning, teaching and learning resources available on Tāhūrangi for Pūtaiao and Science [1]
Year 11-13 PLD: Region or school | wharekura-based subject specific PLD will be available. Sessions will focus on quality teaching and content:
2028: session 1 – NZCE
2028: session 2 – Year | Tau 13 subjects [9]
The NZCE and NZACE region or school-based PLD sessions in 2028 and 2029 will support teachers to understand how the Assessment Guides, Assessment Criteria, and Grade Descriptors link the curriculum for their subject to assessment [9]
Year 12 Senior Secondary resources released [9]
House of Science Kits (Y0-8) full availability [13]
Term 2 - 2028
Implementation resources available [1].
House of Science Kits (Y0-8) full availability [13]
Term 3 - 2028
Implementation resources available [1].
House of Science Kits (Y0-8) full availability [13]
Term 4 - 2028
Implementation resources available [1].
House of Science Kits (Y0-8) full availability [13]
Term 1 - 2029
Beehive Press Release - New Year 12 qualification and curriculum starts.
The New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) in Year 12 is introduced and replaces NCEA Level 2 [7]
Learning area and wāhanga ako mandated for use - Goes
live for Year 12: Science and Pūtaiao [1]
Four days of PLD in 2029 (not sure if they mean Teacher Only Day) [9]
Year 11-13 PLD: Region or school | wharekura-based subject specific PLD will be available. Sessions will focus on quality teaching and content:
2029: Session 1 - NZACE [9]
The NZCE and NZACE region or school-based PLD sessions in 2028 and 2029 will support teachers to understand how the Assessment Guides, Assessment Criteria, and Grade Descriptors link the curriculum for their subject to assessment [9]
Year 13 Senior Secondary resources released [9]
Term 1 - 2030
Beehive Press Release - New Year 13 qualification and curriculum starts.
New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) introduced for Year 13 and replaces NCEA Level 3 [7]
Learning area and wāhanga ako mandated for use - Goes
live for Year 12: Science and Pūtaiao [1].
Information Sources
[1] Curriculum implementation timeline (October 2025), we’ve extracted events related to Science and Pūtaiao. Note, the file is no longer active on Tāhūrangi. Do you have a copy you could share with us?
[2] ‘Implementation Supports’ PDFs from the Curriculum Roadshow post on Tāhūrangi (Nov 2025) for NZC and TMoA.
[3] Phase 5 release dates have been added from an announcement on Tāhūrangi (March 2026).
[4] Beehive Press Release: Government confirms next steps on new senior secondary qualification (March 2026).
[5] Beehive Press Releases, Tāhurangi announcements and emails to principals regarding Phase 5 of the curriculum and NCEA's replacement (Bay Science Summary).
[7] Guide to the NCEA Replacement (Bay Science Summary)
[8] Teaching the Year 0-10 Curriculum in Multi-Level Classrooms
[9] Year 9-13 schools and wharekura curriculum support
[10] Information for school leaders: Years 0-8 schools and kura curriculum support
[11] NZC Years 0-10 Delivery of Curriculum Resources in 2026
[12] NZC Years 0-10 Delivery of Curriculum Resources in 2027
[13] NZC Years 0-10 Delivery of Curriculum Resources in 2028
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