Education, Together: updates from ERO’s Chief Review Officer, August 2026

Mātauranga Tahi | Hereturikōkā 2026

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko David Ferguson ahau, Te Tumu Whakarae hou o Te Tari Arotake Mātauranga.

My name is David Ferguson and I am the new Chief Review Officer at the Education Review Office (ERO).

I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve the education sector. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside educators, leaders, learners and communities who are committed to helping young people thrive. I know the important role kaupapa Māori and Māori-medium education plays in supporting the aspirations of tamariki, mokopuna, whānau, hapū and iwi, and as the new Chief Review Officer, and Chief Executive for ERO I am excited to learn about what our work can achieve - together.

Your work in education matters deeply. Every day, kura, kōhanga reo, puna reo and Māori-medium settings nurture identity, language, culture and achievement. I look forward to connecting with each of you, to discuss ERO's work with Māori-medium and kaupapa Māori communities and supporting the outstanding mahi taking place across the sector.

This special edition of our newsletter brings together information specifically for kura kaupapa Māori, kura motuhake, kura ā iwi, kōhanga reo, puna reo and Māori-medium settings. As ERO prepares for several changes across the education system, we want to ensure you have clear information about what is changing, what is not changing, and what it means for you.

Going forward, you’ll receive updates relevant to kura kaupapa Māori, kura motuhake, kura ā iwi, kōhanga reo and puna reo, alongside broader updates from across the education sector. We want to ensure you have the information you need, while also staying connected to the wider work ERO is undertaking across education.

I deeply value the relationship ERO has with Māori-medium and kaupapa Māori communities, and I look forward to meeting kanohi ki te kanohi to listen, learn, and continue building that relationship together.

Ngā mihi nui

News for Kōhungahunga

What is changing

ERO is preparing for new regulatory responsibilities

The Government has confirmed that the transfer of regulatory functions from the Ministry of Education to ERO will take effect on 1 September 2026.

The transfer of regulatory responsibilities will include early childhood education, kōhungahunga, private schools and school hostels from the Ministry of Education. This follows the recent passing of the Education and Training Amendment Act (System Reform).  

For now, kōhungahunga should continue to work with the Ministry of Education, ERO and other agencies as they do today. There are no changes in place at this time.

Ray McMillan has joined ERO as Deputy Chief Executive Regulation and Early Childhood Education. Ray will also become the Director of Regulation when the transfer takes place. Many of you will already know Ray through his work in education regulation. He brings significant experience working with communities and organisations and will lead the teams responsible for licensing, monitoring, compliance and enforcement activities.

What is not changing

Importantly, this transfer does not change how ERO works with Kōhanga Reo and Puna Reo through kaupapa Māori review approaches.

How ERO will engage with you

Te Uepū ā-Motu (TUAM) will continue to lead review and evaluation activity for Kōhanga Reo, Puna Reo and other Māori-medium settings, working alongside communities in ways that reflect their unique aspirations, language, culture and context.

TUAM will also work closely with Ray’s team to ensure regulatory next steps are appropriately applied.

Where to find updates  

We will be providing regular updates on the regulations page on the ERO website. This page brings together information about ERO’s incoming regulatory responsibilities.  

Evidence and Insights

New report explores how schools are responding to artificial intelligence

ERO's Education Evaluation Centre | Te Ihuwaka has released its latest national report, Ready or not: How are schools responding to Artificial Intelligence?, examining how leaders, teachers and students across Aotearoa New Zealand are using AI and what this means for teaching and learning.

The research found that AI is already a feature of everyday education. More than nine in ten school leaders are using AI, more than four in five teachers are using it for planning and preparation, and three in four students report using AI for their schoolwork. At the same time, approaches vary significantly between schools, with many leaders and teachers seeking clearer guidance about how AI can be used safely, effectively and in ways that enhance learning rather than replace it.

As Te Ihuwaka continues its research programme, we are also keen to connect with kura, kōhanga reo, puna reo and other Māori-medium settings that may be interested in participating in future research projects. Working alongside educators helps ensure our research contributes to evidence that is meaningful, relevant, and useful for strengthening outcomes for all learners.