Resources

Significant change ahead for History in the New Zealand Curriculum.

This page tracks how the refresh of the History curriculum has been progressing, both in Phase 1-4 (Y0-10) Social Sciences and Phase 5 Phase 5 History | Te Takanga o te Wā (Y11-13) and brings together the materials, analysis, and sector voices NZHTA has gathered.

Phase 1-4:

Y0-10 Social Sciences Curriculum final was released in August 2026. Schools and kura are expected to start using the Years 9-10 content from 2027.

Here is a FAQ sheet from NZHTA and a Year 9/10 History Strand Overview document to begin your thinking and planning for 2027 in your departments and faculties.

Join NZHTA, ASSEN, NZBoGT and CETA for an online hui to unpack the new Year 9 & 10 Social Sciences curriculum and get you started for 2027. Together, we’ll explore the curriculum big picture, knowledge and practices, the conceptual framework, phases and capabilities, and take a closer look at the four Social Sciences strands. The session will be recorded and shared.

Tuesday 1 September 2026

7.00pm

Online

The Social Sciences learning area is organised into History, Geography, Civics and Society, and Financial and Economic Activity strands.

Find out more about what’s coming next for the updated Years 0-10 curriculum from the Ministry of Education, including links to timeline, resources and engagement opportunities.

Phase 5:

The Ministry of Education released the draft Phase 5 (Years 11–13) History | Te Takanga o te Wā curriculum content on 21 August 2026. Consultation on this draft is open to 20 September 2026.

This is the MoE link to make a submission on these subjects: https://education.surveymonkey.com/r/Phase5SubjectsConsultationGroup4

You can find other consultation information also on Tāhūrangi:

https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/phase-5-consultation

The Ministry of Education is hosting webinars for educators on the changes to the Years | Tau 11–13 curriculum. The webinars will cover: 

Process to date, curriculum design, providing feedback, implementation supports, next steps.

To register for a webinar, please click on one of the session links below and enter your details. 

Upcoming webinars

Wednesday 26 August, 3.30pm – 4.30pm | Click here to register
Thursday 27 August, 11.00am – 12.00pm | Click here to register

Also please feel free to email me with any of your questions and concerns as we begin this consultation process.

NCEA Assessment Update:

The government has also confirmed that from 2028, NCEA will be replaced with 2 new national qualifications:

New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) for Year 12
New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) for Year 13

NZCE will roll out in 2029, followed by NZACE in 2030.