Education – Cutting through the noise

If you’ve glanced at the headlines lately, you’ll know schools are busy, attendance is edging up, and the Government is proposing big changes. In the middle of all this are our kids and you. Here are some ways in which parents can cut through the noise and help children thrive at school.

Regular attendance is finally on the rise. Term 2, 2025 saw 58.4 per cent of students counted as “regular attenders”. That’s the best in three years and higher than before Covid. It’s encouraging, but averages hide gaps and, in some communities, attendance is still far too low. Every day at school is a day of learning, friendship, sport, and routine. As parents, the most powerful thing we can do is make daily attendance non-negotiable. If “odd days off” have crept in, it’s time to reset expectations.

Early results are encouraging for the phone away policy with more focus and fewer “flare-ups” during the day. Overseas studies suggest phone bans particularly boost girls’ wellbeing and achievement. At home, back the school rule: set up charging stations outside bedrooms, put devices away during homework and meals, and talk with your child about why attention is a superpower worth protecting.

Primary schools are doubling down on reading, writing, and maths, with the Government signalling a stronger push towards structured literacy. That can sharpen early skills, but it’s also sparked debate about how reading reflects who we are, including the role of te reo Māori in children’s books. We don’t need to choose. Let’s get the science of reading right and ensure every child sees their culture and language valued. A simple, powerful habit is reading with younger children using decodable texts to build skills, and storybooks to build a love of reading and identity.

The Government has paused open-plan designs, citing noise and distraction concerns. Many teachers welcome the return to smaller, purpose-designed rooms, while others will miss the flexibility. Either way, what really matters for your child is calm, purposeful teaching. Ask your school how spaces are used for small-group learning, targeted support, and quiet catch-up work then reinforce similar routines at home.

The Government is also consulting on replacing NCEA: phasing out Level 1, introducing a foundation literacy and numeracy award in Year 11, and creating two new senior certificates with stricter subject expectations. While the debate plays out, the practical move for parents is simple: stay informed and keep the focus on your teen’s programme this year, solid literacy and numeracy, a balance of subjects, steady attendance, and wellbeing. This will carry them forward no matter the shape of the qualification.

On the Hibiscus Coast, growth pressures will keep testing school rolls and facilities. Parents have a vital voice here, keeping an eye on local planning, advocating for the classrooms our communities need, and backing our schools with encouragement and partnership. Strong families and strong teaching together beat any policy shift.