Submission on National Education Learning Priorities Amendment Bill

The Statement of National Education Learning Priorities sets the national priorities that all schools in New Zealand need to address in their planning.

This amendment Bill makes it explicit that children must be among those consulted by the Minister before issuing the statement.

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner supported this Bill because it enshrines in legislation the right for children to have a say on the statement - consistent with Article 12 of the Children’s Convention.

Furthermore, the expectations of what the statement will comprise more closely aligns with Article 29 of the Children’s Convention, about the nature of children’s educational rights.