The report discusses how New Zealand's curriculum development was captured by a politically aligned advisory group, bypassing democratic processes and marginalizing broader consultation, raising concerns about democracy and institutional integrity.# Content-Attribution # Source: bevanholloway.com Content Creator: Bevan Holloway Date: 2025-06-09T03:00:17+0000

New Zealand scores 99 out of 100 on Freedom House’s democracy index, but since December 2023 it has experienced systematic institutional capture using techniques documented in Hungary, Poland, and other democracies under stress.# Content-Attribution # Source: bevanholloway.com Content Creator: Bevan Holloway Date: 2025-06-08T07:57:27+0000

Yes, this is a “re-brand”.  Welcome to the first of my “Democracy Needs Early Warning Systems” monthly newsletters.  Right now, we’re in this weird in-between space in education in Aotearoa New Zealand, everyone busy with implementation yet unaware of the extent of the danger we are in.  It has long been very clear to me […]# Content-Attribution # Source: bevanholloway.com Content Creator: Bevan Holloway Date: 2025-05-27T07:53:27+0000

Read the release here or find the PDF version on our releases page NZAS Co-Presidents Lucy Stewart and Troy Baisden have made initial comments on the Budget released by the coalition government this week, highlighting the ‘re-prioritisation’ of frontline research funds to pay for the government’s science reforms. Pre-Budget commentary has emphasised that Aotearoa New Zealand’s research and science system has been under-funded by successive governments for decades and that meaningful new funding is needed if we want to achieve the same level of science and innovation as other small advanced economies. The need for funding from government was also a key theme of the first Science System Advis

Budget 2025’s education spending patterns expose how the public education system is being set up to serve private interests.# Content-Attribution # Source: bevanholloway.com Content Creator: Bevan Holloway Date: 2025-05-24T07:24:53+0000

‍TEC staff were told today of the latest restructure which proposes a net loss of 22 roles, following the Government demand for a 5% spending cut to its operating funding. This equates to its baseline being shaved by another $12 million over the next four years. This comes on top of cuts made last year where 28 roles axed after TEC was forced to slash spending by 6%, and absorbing cost pressures, a $25 million cut over four years. www.scoop.co.nzOrdering more cuts when the Government knows costs can only be saved by reducing the TEC workforce shows how little the Government cares about those who help our tertiary education sector function effectively. w

‍The University of Otago is not ruling out further restructuring if it is unable to get back into surplus quickly enough, the acting vice-chancellor says. Further uni shake-up on cards | Otago Daily Times Online News www.odt.co.nz  ‍

‍"The initial data report from universities and other tertiary providers to the Tertiary Education Commission is still coming in. Current indications are overall domestic student numbers are up by about four and a half percent. Some of that can be covered. What we don't know is just how big the gap is," Whelan said. Will the $2.7b cost of tertiary courses be enough? | RNZ NewsThe government is spending $2.7 billion on tertiary courses this year, but there are early signs it will not be enough to cover all the enrolments. www.rnz.co.nz  ‍

‍The government was disestablishing Te Pūkenga by the end of next year - the mega-institute that combined polytechnic and workplace training and education - replacing it with stand-alone polytechnics and a new system for work-based industry training. Canterbury polytech Ara proposes job cuts - Union | RNZ NewsA proposed restructure at Canterbury's Ara Institute will result in job cuts. www.rnz.co.nz  ‍

‍A scientist told RNZ the STEM priorities were "bizarre" and looked like applied technology rather than science. Tertiary institutions 'should not assume funding will be maintained' | RNZ NewsThe Tertiary Education Commission has indicated some tertiary institutions could face funding cuts next year. www.rnz.co.nz  ‍

There are myriad ways in which a disaster-loss database for New Zealand could be used effectively by central and local government, insurance and banking companies, weather-exposed industries such as agriculture, community organisations and by individuals.‍ NZ has no dedicated database to track losses from weather disasters – without it, we’re planning in the darkNew Zealand relies on data from insurance and an international source to assess damages from extreme weather. But these datasets are fragmented, incomplete and unreliable. theconversation.com  ‍

‍At least 154 roles, one campus and multiple courses across 10 institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) have been cut as the government prepares to disestablish the nation’s largest vocational education provider Te Pūkenga, documents released under the Official Information Act (OIA) reveal. More than 150 jobs cut and one campus closed as Te Pūkenga disestablishment looms | The SpinoffJobs, courses and a campus are on the chopping block. thespinoff.co.nz  ‍