What I wish for this Christmas: A Wishlist for the NZ Education System

As the year draws to a close (Nearly 100 days until Christmas) and I find myself reflecting as we shift towards the last quarter of the year, I can't help but think about what I wish for the New Zealand education system.

My wishes aren't wrapped in tinsel or under a tree; instead, they’re hopes for a system that better serves our young people, communities, and industries.

At the heart of this is how we manage the critical transition points: from Intermediate to Secondary School, from Secondary School to Tertiary or Work, and from Tertiary to Work.

Here’s my Christmas Wishlist for these critical transitions:

??A Seamless Journey from Intermediate to Secondary School

Transitioning from Intermediate to Secondary School can be a challenging time for our tamariki. My wish is for a system that better recognises this pivotal moment by creating stronger bridges between these two stages.

Personalised Pathways: I wish for every student to have a pathway tailored to their strengths and interests, not just a generic curriculum. This would involve early identification of students' talents and providing opportunities to explore these in a supportive environment.

Cultural Responsiveness: Imagine a system that fully embraces Te Ao Māori, Pacific, and other cultural perspectives in this transition. We need to ensure that all young people see themselves reflected in their learning environments and feel valued for who they are and where they come from.

Support Systems: Finally, I wish for more robust support systems, including counselling, peer mentoring, and parent engagement, ensuring students feel supported not just academically but also emotionally as they navigate this transition.

???? A Clear and Supported Path from Secondary School to Tertiary or Work

The leap from Secondary School to Tertiary Education or directly into the workforce is a major life step, and it’s one where we often lose too many young people. My wish is for a system that guides students through this transition with clarity and purpose.

Expanded Work Integrated Learning (WIL): My Christmas wish is for every high school student to have meaningful work experience before they leave school. Whether through internships, apprenticeships, or industry projects, students should graduate with a clear understanding of the workplace and how their skills apply.

Flexible Learning Options: I wish for more flexible pathways that allow students to mix and match academic learning with vocational training, ensuring that those who are more hands-on are not forced into purely academic routes and vice versa.

Career Guidance: I hope for a system where career guidance is not just a one-off meeting but a continuous conversation. Imagine career advisors who are not only well-versed in the options but also deeply connected with industry trends, ready to guide students in real-time, with insights powered by tools like AI.

?????? A Smooth Transition from Tertiary Education to the Workforce

The final leap into the workforce is where many of our students find themselves adrift. My wish is for a more integrated approach that ties education more closely to the realities of work.

Industry Partnerships: I wish for stronger partnerships between tertiary institutions and industries, ensuring that students graduate with skills that are immediately relevant and in demand. This would include more opportunities for co-op programs, real-world projects, and even industry certifications embedded in degree programs.

Support Networks: I hope for robust support networks that follow students into their early careers, offering mentorship, professional development, and even alumni networks that actively engage with industries to support new graduates.

Recognition of Skills Over Qualifications: Finally, I wish for a shift in how we value education—moving from a focus on qualifications to a recognition of skills. In a rapidly changing world, it’s the ability to learn, adapt, and apply knowledge that will serve our graduates best. I hope to see more employers and educational institutions prioritising these qualities.

???????? A System That Serves Us All

This Christmas, my wish is for an education system that truly serves all its stakeholders—students, communities, and industries alike.

A system that understands the importance of these transition points and provides the support, on-ramps and off-ramps, flexibility, and relevance that our young people need to thrive.

As we look to the New Year, let’s commit to working together to make these wishes a reality. Because when our education system is strong, our future is bright. ???

These are my Christmas wishes for the NZ education system—wishes that, if fulfilled, could lead to a future where every young person can transition confidently and successfully into the next stage of their lives.

By setting our sights on what truly matters: the future of our tamariki, our communities, and our industries - we should be doubling down on this list.