March 31, 2026

#hauora: Concerns Raised Over Removal of Mental Health from Draft School Curriculum

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 31, 2026

The Mental Health Foundation is raising concerns about proposed changes to the school curriculum, warning that the Government’s draft health and physical education framework could set New Zealand back decades.

The draft curriculum, which applies to students aged five to 15, does not explicitly reference mental health and wellbeing, despite the topic being a central part of learning in schools for more than 30 years.

There are also questions about the future of existing guidance that supports mental health education in classrooms, with indications it could be removed when the new curriculum is introduced in 2027.

The Foundation says the proposed changes are out of step with the needs of young people, many of whom see mental health as one of the most pressing issues facing their generation. It argues that reducing content in this area risks undermining progress made in supporting student wellbeing.

Concerns have also been raised about the broader scope of the draft, including the potential removal of guidance around whole-of-school approaches, te ao Māori perspectives, cultural frameworks, gender diversity and safe relationships.

Critics say the shift toward a more simplified, standardised curriculum risks ignoring the diverse realities of students across Aotearoa, and does not align with international best practice from organisations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF and UNESCO.

The absence of meaningful references to te ao Māori has also been highlighted, with concerns that the draft fails to reflect evidence showing Māori students achieve better outcomes when their identity, language and culture are recognised and valued within the education system.

The Foundation is warning that the changes could have wider implications for student safety and wellbeing, particularly in light of New Zealand’s high rates of school bullying. It says a lack of inclusive, evidence-based content may leave some groups more vulnerable.

While acknowledging the Government’s intention to streamline the curriculum, the Mental Health Foundation says the current draft goes too far and risks removing essential support for young people.

Public feedback on the proposed changes is now being encouraged, with the Foundation urging communities to have their say on the future of mental health education in schools.