Live politics 3.3.25
Education Ministry removes sexuality and relationship guidelines from website
The Ministry of Education has removed the 2020 sexuality and relationship guidelines from its website. Scrapping the guidelines was in the NZ First-National coalition agreement, and Winston Peters, the NZ First leader and deputy prime minister, has said they were "woke", "out of touch" and "indoctrinating our kids". He signaled the guidelines were to be removed by term 1 this year.
But Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly known as Family Planning) says removing the guidelines, without a replacement, will mean children aren't getting the best education this year. It's director of public health, Fiona McNamara, says schools who are looking for guidance can go to them.
She said a recent education review office review found 85% of school leaders found the guidelines, written in 2020, useful. Removing them, with nothing to replace them, would have a big impact, she added.
"We know that there are issues around the country of inconsistency with relationships an sexuality education ... There is now no particular guidance on the way to do that."
She said there were two guidelines. The one for years 1 to 10 was about family and friendships and relating to others. "Later on you talk about romantic relationships, consent and how we are relating to people effectively.
"The 2020 version was up to date and covered social media, cyber bullying and sexting. We need to make sure we are giving people high quality, accurate information," she said.
But Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly known as Family Planning) says removing the guidelines, without a replacement, will mean children aren't getting the best education this year. It's director of public health, Fiona McNamara, says schools who are looking for guidance can go to them.
She said a recent education review office review found 85% of school leaders found the guidelines, written in 2020, useful. Removing them, with nothing to replace them, would have a big impact, she added.
"We know that there are issues around the country of inconsistency with relationships an sexuality education ... There is now no particular guidance on the way to do that."
She said there were two guidelines. The one for years 1 to 10 was about family and friendships and relating to others. "Later on you talk about romantic relationships, consent and how we are relating to people effectively.
"The 2020 version was up to date and covered social media, cyber bullying and sexting. We need to make sure we are giving people high quality, accurate information," she said.