Education
The Panel with Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas, Part 2
In part two, the government's smartphone ban in schools wasn't met with enthusiasm by everyone, but a new ERO report says it's been a success so far. Stratford High School principal Cameron Stone… Audio
Schools to be barred from opting out of international tests
A government bill will force schools to take part in global maths and reading tests and speed up intervention in failing schools.
World's largest indigenous education conference comes at 'perfect time', organisers say
Thousands of delegates are gathering in Tāmaki Makaurau as Indigenous rights face renewed pressure in Aotearoa and abroad.
'Snowed under': Asbestos companies working night and day on sand concerns
An asbestos removal company boss says he's been flooded with calls from emotional parents and schools wanting help. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 20 November 2025
Teachers believe students are less distracted in class, according to a report released today into the phone ban in schools; 'Heidi' records consultations and automatically creates draft clinical… Audio
The school phone ban is working, could smartwatches be next?
The Education Review Office says the government should consider going a step further and also block access to social media during school hours. Audio
Educators push for more restrictions on social media for teens
Banning mobile phones in school has led to improved learning and behaviour - and the Education Review Office says social media should be next. Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO's Education Evaluation Centre… Audio
Students more focused following phone ban - survey
Teachers believe students are less distracted in class, according to a report released today into the phone ban in schools. Albany Senior High School principal Claire Amos spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Kelston Boys' board hopes no other school will face unwanted charter bid
An outside push to convert the Auckland high school into a charter school, against its wishes, has been abandoned.
Teacher caught snorting 'white powder' off classroom desk at school Christmas party
He later told the school's deputy principal it was the "most stupid thing" he had ever done.
Sex ed consultation walking out the door
Dr Rachael Dixon, senior lecturer in health sciences at the University of Canterbury and a health education expert, joins Emile Donovan to discuss. Audio
Auckland school returns positive results for asbestos in play sand
Several coloured play sand products have been recalled after tests found a naturally occurring asbestos. Audio
Kelston Boys' High School charter takeover bid abandoned
The school never supported the move.
Play sand postive for asbestos at West Auckland primary school
A west Auckland primary school has told parents the coloured play sand it's been using is positive for asbestos. It's arranging decontamination and air quality tests. The sand is part of a major… Audio
Coloured sand recall: Disposal process needs to be easier - Auckland teacher
Stephanie Pye says it's hard to be reassured that every speck of sand has been cleaned up and disposed of safely. Audio
How dangerous is asbestos in coloured sand?
Explainer - Why is asbestos such a worry, and what's the risk after coloured play sand has been revealed to be contaminated? Audio
Good vocational pathways 'capped and trapped' - tradie trainers
Secondary schools will have to work a lot closer with polytechnics and employers to realise the government's goals for its new "vocational subjects", say industry leaders.
Teens to spend day at polytech as part of secondary school overhaul
The Education Minister said she wanted vocational subjects to be valued as highly as academic ones.
Parents confused by advice on contaminated play sand
One parent says she feels as though there is no guidance on what she should do with play sand that potentially contains asbestos in her home. Audio
Ministry gets 'enormous amounts' of calls, emails over play sand contamination
David Seymour says several hundred schools and childhood centres have contacted the Ministry of Education after the discovery of asbestos in a range of coloured play sand. Audio
