In a bold move to tackle declining maths proficiency, the New Zealand government is investing NZ$100 million over four years, as revealed in Budget 2025. The goal: to strengthen maths education across primary and intermediate schools and set students on a confident academic path early.

Education Minister Erica Stanford detailed the plan, with $56 million allocated for hiring 143 full-time maths intervention teachers. These specialists will work with young learners who find the subject challenging. A further $40 million will support small-group tutoring, reaching up to 34,000 Year 7 and 8 students annually.

Starting next year, every child will undergo a maths skills check during their first two years in school. This early screening aims to identify those needing extra help right from the start. To support this, $4 million is earmarked for a new assessment tool tailored to early learners.

This initiative aligns with a new, more rigorous maths curriculum launching on January 1, 2025. It emphasizes direct teaching and structured skill development, replacing older, less systematic methods. Stanford stressed the importance of early action: “This investment ensures more children get expert help at the right time.”

Crucially, all programs will also be available in te reo Māori, making the reforms inclusive for students in bilingual and kura kaupapa settings. Educators, still addressing learning gaps worsened by the pandemic, have welcomed the move.

For more, citizens are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Education’s website.