Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh

In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools.

“Any review process must truly prioritise the voices and wellbeing of rangatahi,” says Green Party Education spokesperson, Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan.

“Every child and young person deserves to thrive in our education system and have a sense of belonging, which means providing them with evidence-based education that empowers them to make informed decisions about their lives, relationships, and wellbeing.

“The report found that 75 per cent of students felt they did not receive sufficient education about relationships and sexuality during their time in school. This must change.

“Despite this clear demand from students, the Government is yet to engage directly with them–and kaiako and whānau, who overwhelmingly support RSE–in shaping the future of this critical learning area.

“At a time where young people are increasingly exposed to harmful online content, this report unequivocally shows that RSE plays an increasingly important role.

“What this report confirms is that the current system is not fit for purpose. It’s failing to equip our rangatahi with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate relationships and sexual health in a fast-moving, rapidly changing world.

“This is a pivotal moment. We cannot allow political agendas to shape this conversation and put our future generations in harm's way. We must be led by evidence and the voices of our communities. Comprehensive and inclusive education is not only vital for individual health and empowerment but also for creating a more informed and equitable society,” says Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan.

NOTES:

Over nine in 10 (91 percent) students support RSE being taught in schools.
Most parents and whānau (87 percent) support RSE being taught in schools.
Parents and whānau who know what is being taught are happier with RSE

Full report available here: Let’s talk about it: Review of relationships and sexuality education - Summary

Action

Tell us your stories about our special places

Share with us your stories about the places threatened by being fast tracked for mining permits.

Action

RENAME, REWRITE, and REJECT the Regulatory Standards Bill

Submit your suggested changes to the Regulatory Standards Bill! Tell us how you'd change the bill and we could take it to the House!

Action

Anniversary of the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill Referendum

If we were to legally regulate cannabis in Aotearoa, what kind of rules would you want to see around access, possession, use, regulations on sale, ...

Action

Save our Polytechs: Campaign Packs

Want to see more supports for our Polytechs? Use these resources to support the campaign!

Action

Save Our Polytechs Petition

Sign our petition today and join us in calling on the Minister for Vocational Education, Hon Penny Simmonds, to Save our Polytechs!

Action

Protect our tamariki - Sign the open letter

Every child in Aotearoa deserves to grow up with safety and stability, wrapped in aroha. Sign our open letter today and help make that a reality!

Action

Stop Growing Homelessness

Sign our petition asking Luxon and Bishop to take action to stop homelessness increasing in Aotearoa.

Action

Local Events

We have activists across Aotearoa / New Zealand who are working hard to build a brighter future for our kids and grandkids. This page lists upcomin...

Latest Education Announcements

Story

Scrapping NCEA will take Aotearoa Back to the Future

The government’s proposal to scrap NCEA risks turning back the clock on decades of progress toward a student-centred system.

Budget 2025 leaves future of school lunches uncertain

The future of the Ka Ora | Ka Ako school lunch programme looks to be uncertain with Budget 2025 failing to provide any funding beyond 2026.

Report shows Govt’s callous lack of support for system at breaking point

A new report from Aotearoa Educators’ Collective, released today, has confirmed what teachers, students, and whanau have been calling out for years...

Green Party appalled by woeful Government offer to school support staff

Support staff across Aotearoa have been dealt yet another devastating blow with the release of the latest collective agreement offer from the Gover...

Greens call on Govt to leave Te Reo in schools alone

As Te Wiki o te Reo Māori approaches, the Government is considering deprioritising teaching Te Reo Māori in our schools.

ECE teachers deserve better than this Government

The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers under...