New Zealand’s $100 million purse for better maths education in schools

The New Zealand government has announced a $100 million investment over four years to bolster mathematics proficiency among young students, as part of the upcoming Budget 2025.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said that the allocation is aimed at enhancing maths education in primary and intermediate schools.

A substantial portion, $56 million, will fund 143 full-time equivalent maths intervention teachers dedicated to assisting primary school students struggling with the subject. An additional $40 million is for small-group tutoring, benefiting up to 34,000 Year 7 and 8 students annually.


"From next year, every child will have their maths ability checked in their first two years of schooling. The check will identify students who would benefit from additional support, early on in their schooling journey," Stanford said.

Furthermore, $4 million will be invested in developing and implementing a new assessment tool to evaluate students' mathematical abilities in their initial years of schooling.

This initiative aligns with the government's broader educational reforms, including the introduction of a new, more rigorous primary school maths curriculum set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

The curriculum emphasizes explicit instruction and a structured approach to foundational skills, marking a shift from previous teaching methodologies.

Stanford emphasized the importance of early intervention and said, "This investment means more students will get the expert support they need when they need it."

She also highlighted that the small-group tutoring builds upon existing pilot programs aimed at students not meeting the expected curriculum levels for their age group.

All initiatives will be introduced in te reo Māori for students in bilingual or kura kaupapa settings, ensuring inclusivity and cultural relevance, recognizing the diverse linguistic landscape of New Zealand.

"Proficiency in maths is such an important foundation of success in life," Stanford added, "Every child deserves the opportunity to be confident and capable in maths so they can reach their potential."

Educators have welcomed the move, saying maths gaps have widened post-COVID, and officials advised citizens to visit the Ministry of Education’s official website for more details on the curriculum changes and educational reforms.