New Zealand National Party announces education policy plan

The New Zealand National Party has unveiled its 'Plan for Kiwi Kids,' focusing on improving educational outcomes through structured learning and increased resources. National Leader Christopher Luxon stated that recent Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) data indicates improvements in mathematics, reading comprehension, and vocabulary following the introduction of daily reading, writing, and maths sessions, as well as a ban on classroom phones.

If re-elected, the party intends to expand the Year 7-10 Maths Acceleration Programme to reach 128,000 students over the next three years. Other proposed measures include a $1,500 'Baby Boost' for KiwiSaver, school start checks for children, and stricter limits on screen use in early childhood education and primary school.

Separately, Associate Education Minister David Seymour reported that charter school enrollment in New Zealand has grown to 2,117 students across 19 schools as of September 2026. This follows the conversion of Pakaraka School in Northland, the first state school to transition to a charter model.