Parents need clarity on Labour’s education policies

MEDIA RELEASE

30 October 2026

Parents need clarity on Labour’s education policies

The Parents' Alliance is calling on Labour to clarify two of its education manifesto policies.

Polling commissioned by the Parents' Alliance found strong support for student achievement being the paramount objective of school boards and overwhelming support for standardised reporting of student progress to parents.

"Labour's manifesto proposes requiring school boards to give effect to the Treaty of Waitangi," said Executive Director Anya Zohrab.

"The key question is whether student achievement will remain the paramount objective for school boards. That matters because it shapes decisions on resourcing, school directed teacher professional development, and the focus of schools."

Ms Zohrab said Parents' Alliance polling found 56 per cent of New Zealanders and 48 per cent of Labour voters support student achievement being the paramount objective for school boards. Just nine per cent of New Zealanders and 12 per cent of Labour voters polled were opposed, with the remainder neutral or unsure.

"The Parents' Alliance of course supports requirements for schools to pursue equitable outcomes for Māori students, provide access to te reo Māori, and reflect New Zealand's cultural diversity.

"What we want Labour to clarify is whether giving effect to the Treaty would be a secondary obligation in support of student achievement, or whether it would become a co-equal objective that changes the focus for school boards."

Ms Zohrab said Labour's proposal to move away from standardised assessment also raises important questions.

"Parents need clear and consistent information about how their children are performing at school. The quality of reporting on children's achievement should not be a postcode lottery. Parents should be able to expect the same standard of reporting regardless of where they live."

"Our polling found 77 per cent of adults and 63 per cent of Labour voters support common reporting on achievement. Only 6 per cent opposed."

She said any move away from standardised assessment should explain how parents would continue to receive objective information about progress, or identify problems.

“Standardised testing also enables government to identify system-wide learning gaps and target resources where they are most needed, such as maths tutoring and teacher professional development. Without reliable data, we risk flying blind as a country when money is so tight."

"These issues go to the heart of school accountability and educational achievement. Parents deserve clear answers before the election on how Labour's policies would affect both school board priorities and the information schools provide to families."

ENDS