In a bold move to revamp New Zealand’s education system, the Government has announced major investments in Budget 2025 to expand and future-proof the teaching workforce. Education Minister Erica Stanford unveiled a wide-ranging package that includes 1,600+ new teaching roles, significant leadership development, and funding relief for teacher certifications.
“We know the most important part of a child’s education is the quality of the teacher in front of them,” said Minister Stanford. “This Government is implementing an ambitious education reform programme that is defined by pace, clarity and outcomes.”
The centrepiece of the announcement is the creation of over 1,600 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) teaching and learning support roles by 2028 to combat teacher shortages and meet future classroom demands. A $33 million expansion of the School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) will add 530 training placements over the next four years, coupled with enhanced recruitment marketing targeting both local and international talent.
To bolster school management, $30 million has been allocated for leadership development 800 teachers to join the Aspiring Principal Programme.
The Leadership Advisory Service will double its capacity—from 16 to 32 advisors offering vital support for school leaders nationwide.
The government will ease financial pressures on educators by covering the costs of approximately 115,000 teacher registrations and practicing certificates through a $53 million investment over the next three years.
Skill Upgrades and Cultural Competency
A major emphasis is being placed on professional development:
$3M: Targeted training for teacher aides.
$5M: PLD for 450–500 teachers in Literacy, Maths, and Assessment.
$14.7M: PLD for up to 51,000 teachers and kaiako in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori aimed at improving cultural competency in schools and promoting everyday use of Māori language and customs.
Minister Stanford emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to modernize the education system and support student achievement. “We want to grow, promote and support the education workforce by backing our educators who deliver real change in classrooms,” she said. “This not only benefits our educators but gives our tamariki the best chance to thrive at school and beyond.”
With a total investment exceeding $139 million, Budget 2025 signals a robust commitment to empowering educators and reshaping New Zealand’s education landscape for the future.