■ School students across the Eastern Bay deserve every opportunity to thrive. That’s why I am proud to report we are focused on teaching the basics brilliantly and providing students with the best learning spaces and opportunities to support their success, writes East Coast MP, Dana Kirkpatrick.

We are proposing to replace NCEA with a new national qualification, bringing structure and consistency across the system. A consultation process closed on September 1, and final decisions are being made prior to the end of the year.

Changes are proposed to be phased in from next year, beginning with the new national curriculum in 2026, the Foundational Skills Award in 2028, and the new Certificates of Education in 2029 and 2030 for years 12 and 13.

Data shows there has been an increase in student achievement. In numeracy, 57 percent of students achieved the standard, an increase from 45 percent for the same period last year.

In reading, 61 percent of students achieved the standard, up from 58 percent, and in writing, 55 percent of students achieved the standard.

With the hard work of teachers, schools across the region are now seeing the results.

Our focus on teaching the basics brilliantly is paying off. This means Kiwi kids are heading into high school with stronger skills in reading, writing, and maths, setting them up to thrive.

We also announced an end for open-plan classrooms, prioritising spaces that improve student outcomes. This after years of comments from teachers and parents about classroom disruptions. This is alongside the banning of mobile phones for students – which has been lauded across the region.

This is great news for staff, students and parents across the Eastern Bay.

First up for the region to benefit from this new process will be Kawerau South School.

The classroom spaces for Kawerau South School will be refurbished; construction is set to begin before Christmas using faster, more efficient building methods

All new classrooms will be built using standard designs that prioritise flexibility over open-plan layouts. For example, the use of glass sliding doors mean spaces can be open when classes collaborate but can also close for focused learning. This approach ensures schools have fit-for-purpose environments that support a range of teaching and learning styles. Students can benefit sooner, and schools can plan with certainty.

This is great news for the students and parents of Kawerau South School, as it means more students have access to a better fit-for-purpose learning environment. Parents can feel confident their school is being equipped to meet the needs of a growing community.  

Additionally, we are delivering a major boost to learning support for children with additional needs.

We are providing more maths teachers and tutoring to help lift achievement. Also, Bay of Plenty-based Toi Ohomai are one of 10 polytechnics which will be re-established from January 1, 2026, restoring regional decision-making that supports strong communities and economic growth.

This is a major milestone in building a vocational education system that’s locally led, regionally responsive, and future focused.

Businesses and industry across the Eastern Bay have told me of their need for locally trained staff – from apprentices to retraining and updating senior staff.

I’m confident re-localising our polytechnic plan will set the sector up for long-term economic and learning success.

All Kiwi kids deserve to thrive in all sectors of their education – from kohanga reo right through to tertiary/university or apprenticeships.

We are serious about the investment in education being about making sure every student, no matter where they live, has access to a modern, healthy learning environment.