Science Curriculum Refresh | Update to curriculum implementation timelines

The Ministry of Education has published a new update forecasting their five-year curriculum implementation timeline, including the science curriculum refresh. The latest information suggests that consultation for Science and Pūtaiao will begin later this year in Term 4, which may continue into Term 1 of 2026.

The Ministry of Education's latest five-year implementation timeline. Source: Tāhurangi (June 2025)

The nine page document would see the following developments for Pūtaiao and Science:

• 2025; Term 4:
  

  • Consultation starts for Science and Pūtaiao.
    

• 2026; Term 1:
  

  • Science and Pūtaiao formally issued under the Education and

    Training Act and release to the sector,

  • Consultation continues for Pūtaiao and Science,

  • Initial planning, teaching, and learning resources

    available on Tāhūrangi for Pūtaiao and Science,

  • Science and Pūtaiao kits available for Years 0-8,

  • Implementation resources (checklists and guides for

    school leaders) for Pūtaiao and Science
    

• 2026; Term 2:
  

  • Science and Pūtaiao kits available for Years 0-8,

  • PLD Step 1 available Pūtaiao and Science

  
  

• 2026; Term 3:
  

  • Science and Pūtaiao kits available for Years 0-8
    

• 2026; Term 4:
  

  • Science and Pūtaiao kits available for Years 0-8
    

• 2027; Term 1:
  

  • Science and Pūtaiao Learning Area mandated for use; goes live.

  • Additional planning, teaching, and learning supports

    available on Tāhūrangi for Pūtaiao and Science.
    

• 2028; Term 1:
  

  • Curriculum Leadership PLD available

  • Additional planning, teaching, and learning supports

    available on Tāhūrangi for Pūtaiao and Science.

The implementation timeline is an iterative document which will be updated regularly.

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Acknowledgements: all information above has been sourced from Tāhūrangi via a June 19 post. The original post can be accessed here.

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