Nine new secondary school subjects announced by government
The New Zealand government has announced nine new secondary school subjects, including tourism and construction, to be developed in partnership with industry groups. These subjects aim to better align student skills with workforce needs starting in 2029.
Why it matters
This policy shift seeks to address the gap between secondary education and vocational requirements, potentially reducing early school exits and improving economic productivity.
The government has announced nine new secondary school subjects that will be developed by industry groups.
They include tourism, construction and built environment, and energy and infrastructure.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the subjects would be available for students in Years 12-13 from 2029 when they would form part of a new qualification replacing the NCEA.
"These subjects are being developed with industry to give students an exciting range of options, so businesses know young people are building the skills their sectors need, and students can gain knowledge that sets them up for work, trades, training or university," Stanford said.
The subjects would be developed by Industry Skills Boards, which were originally set up to oversee tertiary qualifications and apprenticeships for specific industries.
Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board chief executive Philip Aldridge said the new subjects would give industry a direct role in shaping student's pathways.
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