Kōtui: School & Policy Updates - Term 3 Issue 2 2025 (NZCEO)

TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA: Editorial by Dr Kevin Shore, CEO

Kia ora koutou

I had the privilege of attending an Australian religious education conference in Cairns in August. It was interesting to compare the New Zealand and Australian education sectors and note the similarities and the differences between both systems. The special character of the Australian schools, like our own, is a key element behind the successful outcomes they achieve and highlights how the values and beliefs embedded in special character impacts so positively on school communities across both countries.   

The Australian system is a much bigger beast than ours with the Catholic system in Australia, as an example, having 1750 schools compared to our 235. It’s also very noticeable that, in general, accessing religious schools in Australia comes at a significant cost to parents who are required to pay fees that total billions of dollars nationwide every year creating issues of accessibility for many parents and their children.

It is good to be reminded that one of the strengths of the state integrated school sector in New Zealand is that parents can exercise choice at a nominal cost (attendance dues) that while still significant for many does not create the same financial barriers as for our Australian cousins. The state integrated school system in New Zealand is a true taonga and one that we must continue to protect and nurture if it is to survive for another fifty years.

Relationship with the Minister of Education

The Association of Proprietors Integrated Schools (APIS) would like to thank principal Bernadette Murfitt and the school community of the Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Thorndon for hosting Minister of Education Erica Stanford on Thursday 24 July. Minister Stanford used this occasion to do a media briefing releasing detail on the State Integrated Growth Initiative (SIGI) funding. The Government agreed in the 2025/26 Budget to fund almost $30M across four years to support growth in the state integrated school sector. APIS has been negotiating for this outcome for the last eighteen months and it was complicated given Policy Two funds have been off the table.

SIGI funding will be delivered directly to school boards who will ‘own’ the new classroom facilities and effectively lease these facilities at a peppercorn rate to the proprietor. This is not the model that APIS necessarily wanted but was the only option available to the Minister at this time. APIS is grateful that Minister Stanford was prepared to find a way to make this work and we appreciate her support.

APIS is currently negotiating with the Ministry of Education on the process and systems that will need to be in place to ensure these resources are used to best support the state school network. A significant amount of work is required in a short timeframe, but we are hopeful that by the time of the Association of Integrated Schools (AIS) conference we may have further details to share or at the very least be able to discuss the issues that we are negotiating with our stakeholders.

The other important matter that APIS discussed with Minister Stanford was a possible mechanism for supporting the professional development of special character for teacher trainees. Our sector lost the support we previously enjoyed in the Education Act when the Act was reviewed in 2016. This support from the Crown was lost as they no longer had responsibility for tertiary teacher training establishments with most being transferred to universities across New Zealand. It has been an issue that has been sitting in the background until recently and APIS have decided to give this issue a stronger focus.

Education Reform

The process of education reform by the current government is leading to some anxiety for those in our schools. The scope and pace of change is challenging with almost all parts of the curriculum being reviewed and the Minister signaling that the qualifications system is next up for change. One of the disappointing aspects of the current change agenda (and to be fair this has been the case for some years) is the limited time allocated for consultation. This limits feedback and leaves the impression that the views of the sector and other interested groups is not valued which is disappointing and a lost opportunity in my opinion.

The review of NCEA is a case in point. The current qualification system is by no means perfect but there are aspects of the current system that have promoted equitable outcomes and engagement of the students. Any change should heed the lessons of the past, build on the strengths of the current system and change that which is needed. It is unlikely that a change in the qualification system will lift student achievement. Rather it will be the impact of efforts to improve literacy and numeracy skills at an early age and quality teaching across every part of the system that will make the most difference – and I am supportive of the work the current Minister of Education is doing in this space. However, I am concerned that the use of such small windows for consultation work against gaining a comprehensive set of views or voices and that ultimately works against obtaining the best decisions and outcomes.

I would like to thank our fantastic school leaders and staff for the work they continue to do in enabling the students in our schools to thrive. A state school integrated education is focused on ensuring great academic outcomes but, more importantly, ensuring our students leave with a set of values and beliefs that set them up to create a world characterised by love, compassion and justice. We have much to be thankful for and it is important to recognise our wonderful school leaders, teachers and staff.    

Development of APIS & NZCEO Websites

Deputy CEO Karen Raitt is leading a piece of work to improve the functionality and usefulness of the APIS and NZCEO websites. The office, with the support of Adam Raitt, carried out a review and evaluation of the websites in 2024 and identified several aspects and features that we wanted to make improvements on. These improvements are being implemented currently and we would like to think that once completed the sector will find it much easier to navigate across these websites.

Visibility of State Integrated Schools

At a recent Catholic primary schools’ principal gathering I talked to the audience about the current lack of representation of state integrated school principals on government agencies and advisory groups. About two weeks later, I received an email from Patrick Walsh (principal Sacred Heart College Auckland) outlining his similar concerns. If I look at the current peak body groups, advisory groups and school leadership agencies there is a clear lack of the state integrated participation in the membership in these agencies and advisory bodies. It is crucial that our state integrated principals and leaders consider opportunities to be involved in these national groups so that are unique needs are considered. Patrick is one person who has continued to take on these national roles and currently sits on the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.  We need more of our leaders on these national groups if we are to have our needs met and continue to thrive.  

Celebrating 50 Years as State Integrated School

APIS is continuing to gather the significant history of integration for each of our special character or philosophical school affiliations. We would like to thank those proprietor representatives who are giving of their time to support us in this work. APIS is working to a very tight timeline which is very challenging but we remain focused on trying to complete and release this resource across our sector on 10 October.

Staff at APIS are excited to be doing this work and it is a privilege to be able to gather the stories that sit behind the journey of our state integrated schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Finally

I am looking forward to seeing many of our stakeholders at the AIS Conference which starts on Thursday 11 September. I know that there has been wonderful support for the conference with between 140 and 150 registrations so it will be nice to have a full house once more. I want to thank Nicola Geuze and Rhonda Thorpe and the AIS Executive for their work in putting such a comprehensive programme together and both the Deputy Prime minister David Seymour and Minister of Education Erica Stanford will attend events at the conference which highlights great support from the current government for our sector.

Kia tau te rangimārie ki a koutou.

Kevin Shore, Chief Executive Officer

We need your photos for our website!

The NZCEO website is being refreshed and we are looking to feature our wonderful Catholic schools on our homepage. 

If you would like your school to feature share your photos by uploading them to our Dropbox account.  Photos need to be high resolution, and we need your permission to publish them.  Photos available from school websites are always welcome. 

We look forward to seeing your pictures!

Please ensure that you upload images in the highest resolution you can. Phone photos are totally fine but be sure to upload full size image files.

Understanding the Role of APIS in New Zealand’s Education System

Ever wondered what the role of the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS) is? The office is often asked to explain what APIS does and how NZCEO and AIS fit into the overall state integrated sector. This presentation explains the collaborative framework that APIS works within, and also provides information on funding streams for the state integrated sector.

APIS plays a central role in New Zealand’s unique state integrated school system. Established to represent the proprietors of all state integrated schools—both Catholic and non-Catholic—APIS acts as the sector’s official voice in negotiations with the government. Its primary function is to advocate for the collective interests of integrated schools, ensuring their needs and perspectives are considered in national education policy and funding decisions.

State integrated schools are part of the public education system but retain a “special character,” often religious or philosophical, which is protected by law. These schools were originally private institutions that chose to integrate into the state system under the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act 1975. While they receive government funding for operations and staffing, the land and buildings remain privately owned by the proprietors, who are responsible for maintaining the school’s special character.

APIS unites these diverse proprietors under one umbrella, fostering collaboration and shared advocacy. It provides a platform for addressing common challenges, such as property funding, legislative changes, and maintaining the integrity of special character education. APIS also facilitates communication between schools and government agencies, ensuring that integrated schools are well-represented in policy discussions.

The New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) plays a vital role within APIS. Constitutionally mandated as the Executive Secretariat of APIS, NZCEO acts as its agent, office, and secretariat. This means NZCEO not only supports Catholic integrated schools but also provides expert advice and administrative support to APIS as a whole. NZCEO’s leadership ensures that Catholic schools—by far the largest group of integrated schools—are actively involved in shaping the direction of the sector.

On the other hand, the Association of Integrated Schools (AIS) serves the non-Catholic integrated school boards and proprietors. While NZCEO focuses on Catholic schools, AIS focus on the voices of other integrated schools.  Together, APIS, NZCEO, and AIS form a collaborative framework that strengthens the state integrated sector. APIS provides the overarching representation, ensuring integrated schools maintain their unique identities while benefiting from the stability and support of the state education system.

In summary, APIS is the cornerstone of integrated school advocacy in New Zealand. It ensures that the diverse voices within the sector are unified and effectively represented.

Working with APIS to facilitate changes to your Integration Agreement

State integrated schools operate under an Integration Agreement with the Ministry of Education, which includes a specified maximum roll—the total number of students a school is allowed to enrol, including both preference and non-preference students. The Integration Agreement also includes provisions for the school’s property, specifying that the proprietor retains ownership and is responsible for maintaining the buildings and facilities to support the school’s special character and maximum roll.

If a school wishes to increase its maximum roll or change the school property included in the agreement, a formal process must be followed.  This presentation sets out the process for any change to the Integration Agreement.

For a maximum roll increase, the proprietor of the school must initiate the application, advising the school board of their intentions. The application must provide detailed justification for the increase, including enrolment trends, property capacity, and community demand. The Ministry uses this information to assess the viability and impact of the proposed change.

Approval from the Minister of Education is required for any change to the maximum roll. If granted, the change is formalised through a Supplementary Integration Agreement, which modifies the original agreement. This ensures that the school’s infrastructure and resources can support the increased student population.

The office is often asked to explain what APIS does and how it fits into the overall state integrated sector. In this context, APIS provides guidance and support to proprietors throughout the application process, ensuring compliance with Ministry expectations and sector standards.  All applications must be submitted to the Ministry via APIS.  Once the application is lodged, APIS monitor progress and keep the proprietor informed of its status in the decision-making process. APIS is also the only agency permitted to prepare the supplementary agreement which formalises a change to the Integration Agreement.

For more information view our website.

NZCEO National Aspiring Leaders Programme 2025-2026 Cohort 2

The NZCEO Aspiring Leaders Programme 2025–2026 recently gathered emerging Catholic educational leaders in Wellington for two days of formation, reflection, and connection. Led by Dr Kevin Shore and a team of experienced facilitators, participants explored themes of faith leadership, mission, and Catholic culture. Sessions included spiritual reflections, leadership development, and insights into evangelisation, with contributions from: 

• Lucienne Hensel, Pastoral Ministry Advisor, Family Ministry, Archdiocese of Wellington 

• Richard Kerr-Bell, Te Tumu Whakarae. Te Ope Whakaora (Salvation Army New Zealand), where he leads the National Maori Strategy for bi-cultural partnership and Gospel-centered service 

• Fr Mark Walls SM

• Rosalie Connors, Manager Special Character, NZCEO.  

These facilitators bring rich experience in Catholic education, pastoral ministry, and Māori spirituality, offering diverse perspectives.  

The programme continues for the next 18 months with online workshops, fostering growth and collaboration among Deputy Principals, DRSs, and teachers. Rooted in Pope Francis’ belief that “educating is an act of love,” the initiative emphasizes formation, collaboration, and Gospel-centered service. The gathering inspires participants to lead with faith, compassion, and purpose, preparing them to shape the future of Catholic education in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

NZCEO will commence another aspiring leader’s programme in 2027.  

10 years of Laudato Si’ - ‘On Care for Our Common Home’

From Dr John Kleinsman,  Kaitohu / Director The Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics

The latest Nathaniel Report, a publication of the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics, is a special themed issue commemorating the 10^th anniversary of Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ - ‘On Care for Our Common Home’.

In the decade since Laudato Si’ was issued, the need to attend to our environmental life support systems has only grown more urgent. As has been widely reported, over 75% of New Zealand’s native birds, reptiles and mammals are currently either threatened with, or at risk of, extinction. At the same time, the degradation our natural resources and contamination of our soil, air, and water presents an unprecedented danger to the health and wellbeing of both current and future generations.

The gravity and scale of this situation must translate into an imperative to act. To do otherwise would be to deprive our children and future offspring of the health and natural treasures that we have inherited; we have no such right. 

The voices of young persons have come to the fore on this issue in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. At a time when there is considerable vacillation amongst politicians about our commitment to environmental and ecological sustainability, it is important that this issue remains to the fore in the minds of teachers and students. This issue will, hopefully, send us all back to re-engage with the wisdom in Laudato Si. 

Follow the links below to download articles from this issue of the Nathaniel Report.

About the Nathaniel Centre

The Te Kupenga Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics was established by the NZ Catholic Bishops in 1999 and its key functions include:

• developing educational opportunities in bioethics
• acting as an advisory and resource centre for individuals, and professional, educational and community groups
• carrying out research into bioethical issues
• carrying out research and action to support the Church’s pastoral response to bioethical issues taking into account the needs of different cultures and groups in society

Caritas updates

SINGout4JUSTICE Shining Stars 

Our SINGout4JUSTICE competition, invited students from across New Zealand to "be the voice for hope,” connecting beautifully with this year’s Catholic Schools Day theme: ‘Shining like stars in the world’. Earlier this week, we were delighted to announce the winners and other notable entries.  

More than 270 students, from Year 1 to Year 13, showcased their incredible musical talents either by creating original compositions or performing their own covers of an existing song. Their powerful messages and musical talent have inspired us all. A big thank you to everyone who participated - your voices have truly made a difference! 

We extend our congratulations to the following winners for their outstanding contributions to this uplifting theme: 

Original Compositions: 

Junior (Y1-6): 'Shine Bright, Together' 

Miguel Legaspi, Christy Eldhose, Yuri Saladaga, Aloysius Shobin and Casey Kubala (Y5-6) 

St Mary's School, Dunedin 

Middle (Y7-10): 'Shining Everyday' 

Adrienne Walter-Laulu (Y10) 

St Mary's College, Auckland 

Senior (Y11-13): 'Don't Need To Give In' 

Sophie Waterman (Y13) 

Pompallier Catholic College, Whangārei 

Cover Performances: 

Junior (Y1-6): 'Sky Full of Stars' 

Amir Acedera, Anna Reneesh, Dakota Finlay, Elsie Dunlop, Grace Kennedy, Helga Shine, Maia Radics, Marcus Moby, Max Devoy, Max McFetridge, Olivia Collins, Phillip Joo, Savannah Jennings, Siena Aspinall, Tamsyn Liddall, Tony Kim, Yuna Stewart and Vera Tarpey (Y4-6) 

St Mary's School, Tauranga 

Middle (Y7-10): 'Sky Full of Stars' 

Leo Henderson, Rodeson Ferrer, Ahan Verma, William Gibert, Theo Gabito and Zeke Ho (Y7-8) 

Aquinas College, Tauranga 

Senior (Y11-13): 'Imagine' 

Georgia Jeffrey (Y12) 

Sacred Heart Girls' College, New Plymouth 

Visit our website to learn more and listen to some of these incredible entries.  

Kaitiaki2Share Competition Results Coming Soon 

At the end of last month, we received more than 220 amazing entries from more than 500 students for the Caritas Kaitiaki2Share competition. Students from all over Aotearoa shared their unique, imaginative and thoughtful ideas on how we can care for our common home. Their entries beautifully highlighted the power of collective action and reflected the Catholic social teaching principle of Stewardship.  

The judges have been impressed by the quality and creativity of all entries. We look forward to announcing the results in the coming week. 

Visit our website to explore the efforts of previous winners.  

Next week is Social Justice Week! 

We’re excited that Social Justice Week is just days away (7-13 September). As we enter the final year of our peace-focused journey, students and schools will explore practical ways to build peace together - guided by faith, action, and community.  

Just a quick reminder that our Caritas school resources are available online, including background notes, a liturgy, the new 2025 brick to add to the existing poster, peacebuilding blueprints designed as daily lessons, the special Pilgrims of Hope Peace Passport for students to record their learning and goals, stickers for the passport, and relevant videos that connect to the blueprints/lessons. 

It’s not too late to get in touch! If your school would like additional resources or support, please contact us at education@caritas.org.nz. 

Study with Tekupenga Catholic Theological College in 2026

Enliven your school's outdoor environment with Teamturf

Just in time for budgeting purposes, Teamturf have put together some price indications for converting various areas within your school to artificial turf.

School Multi-use courts Installing artificial turf over old asphalt courts -  from $30,000 + GST

For an existing  standard size asphalt or concrete court of 550sqm, which includes tennis and netball line markings and using our mid-range turf, suitable for primary through to intermediate school court areas. For secondary schools, or where hockey is a predominant sport, we recommend our top of the line Elite surface.

Playground surfacing  Includes base preparation, shockpad and artificial turf (150sqm) - from $60,000 + GST

This pricing indication applies for surfacing on either a new playground or replacement of existing surface on a mid-size school playground (approx 150sqm).  This includes our 35mm recycled proplay shockpad under the turf that provides a critical fall height of up to 1.5m, and includes the base preparation.

Cricket wickets

25m x 2.8m cricket wicket including the concrete base - from $18,000 + GST

This pricing is an approximate cost for a standard size 25m x 2.8m new cricket wicket (which includes construction of the  concrete base). 

Existing natural grass landscaping and courtyard areas

Convert existing grass to artificial turf-150sqm - from $33,000 + GST

This price is for removal of the top layer of soil, base preparation and supply and installation of the chosen landscaping surface. 

Existing concrete or asphalt courtyard - convert concrete or old discoloured asphalt  to artificial turf - 250sqm from $20,000 + GST 

(Around the size of half a basketball court). By transforming an old, dull concrete courtyard into an artificial grass area, the school not only creates a visually appealing space but also provides a year-round recreational space for students. A range of colours are available in our COOLplay range, games and educational elements can also be incorporated within the turf using our signgrass items.

Why Choose Teamturf?

✅ NZCEO-endorsed sponsor – Trusted by Catholic schools throughout NZ

✅ Nationwide Service – No matter your location, we’re ready to help

✅ Tailored Designs – Custom turf solutions using coloured turf and Signgrass® to reflect your school’s unique spirit