Secondary curriculum refresh from 2028: STEM, AI and industry pathways with Te Ao Māori

New senior secondary subjects announced: what school leaders need to plan for now

Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined an updated set of subjects for Years 11-13, to be phased in from 2028. The rollout will move in step with any changes to qualifications now under consultation, following last month's proposal to axe NCEA.

What's coming for Years 11-13

• STEM specialisations: Earth and space science; statistics and data science; electronics and mechatronics.
• Mathematics: a range of new specialist options, including further maths.
• Humanities and media: civics, politics and philosophy; media, journalism and communications.
• Te Ao Māori and Pacific: Te Mātai i te Ao Māori; Pacific studies.
• Arts and tech: music technology.

Stanford said the subject set is intended to recognise the growing importance of STEM alongside other learning areas, with several "exciting brand-new" options.

Māori-medium: first detailed curriculum in te reo Māori

Te Marautanga o Aotearoa will be resourced with a first-ever detailed curriculum in te reo Māori. This will include Tātai Arorangi (Māori traditional systems of Earth and Sky), Te Ao Whakairo (Māori carving), and Te Ao Māori subjects.

"Industry-led" pathways

The Government will introduce "new strengthened industry-led subjects" to give students more choice and clearer routes into work and further study. Indicative areas include:

• Primary industry
• Health and wellbeing services
• Outdoor education
• Automotive engineering
• Building and construction
• Infrastructure engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Tourism and hospitality
• …and more

These pathways will be industry led and tertiary aligned to meet professional expectations. All subjects-Ministry led or industry led-will carry equal status, with the intent that students can finish school holding both a secondary and a tertiary qualification.

AI in the senior school

Students will learn about and use generative AI across a range of subjects. Focus areas may include how digital systems work, machine learning, cyber security, and digital ethics.

A Year 13 specialist subject on generative AI is being explored for later development. For staff upskilling on AI literacy and classroom use, see latest AI courses.

Timeline

• Term 1, 2026: Draft Ministry-led Years 11-13 subjects released for feedback and familiarisation.
• From Term 1, 2026: Industry-led subjects developed once ISBs are established.
• No formal requirement to use new content until: 2028 (Year 11), 2029 (Year 12), 2030 (Year 13).

Implementation will be tied to any qualification changes now being consulted on. Keep an eye on official updates from the Ministry of Education's curriculum and assessment page: Curriculum and assessment.

What school leaders and HoFs can do now

• Map current courses to the proposed areas (STEM, data, civics, media, Te Ao Māori, industry pathways) to spot gaps.
• Plan staffing and PLD for specialist maths, data science, electronics/mechatronics, media, civics, and AI literacy.
• Prepare for dual-pathway options so students can earn secondary plus tertiary credits/qualifications.
• Engage early with ISBs, tertiary partners, and local employers for programme co-design and work-integrated learning.
• For Māori-medium and bilingual contexts, partner with iwi, kura, and Māori experts for authentic programme development.
• Audit infrastructure and policies for AI, data privacy, cyber security, and academic integrity.
• Update timetabling, prerequisites, and guidance counselling to support new specialist tracks.
• Set up feedback loops with staff, students, and whānau ahead of the 2026 draft release.