Education
Educators push for more restrictions on social media for teens
Banning mobile phones in school has led to improved learning and behaviour - and the Education Review Office says social media should be next. Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO's Education Evaluation Centre… Audio
Students more focused following phone ban - survey
Teachers believe students are less distracted in class, according to a report released today into the phone ban in schools. Albany Senior High School principal Claire Amos spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Kelston Boys' board hopes no other school will face unwanted charter bid
An outside push to convert the Auckland high school into a charter school, against its wishes, has been abandoned.
Teacher caught snorting 'white powder' off classroom desk at school Christmas party
He later told the school's deputy principal it was the "most stupid thing" he had ever done.
Sex ed consultation walking out the door
Dr Rachael Dixon, senior lecturer in health sciences at the University of Canterbury and a health education expert, joins Emile Donovan to discuss. Audio
Auckland school returns positive results for asbestos in play sand
Several coloured play sand products have been recalled after tests found a naturally occurring asbestos. Audio
Kelston Boys' High School charter takeover bid abandoned
The school never supported the move.
Play sand postive for asbestos at West Auckland primary school
A west Auckland primary school has told parents the coloured play sand it's been using is positive for asbestos. It's arranging decontamination and air quality tests. The sand is part of a major… Audio
Coloured sand recall: Disposal process needs to be easier - Auckland teacher
Stephanie Pye says it's hard to be reassured that every speck of sand has been cleaned up and disposed of safely. Audio
How dangerous is asbestos in coloured sand?
Explainer - Why is asbestos such a worry, and what's the risk after coloured play sand has been revealed to be contaminated? Audio
Good vocational pathways 'capped and trapped' - tradie trainers
Secondary schools will have to work a lot closer with polytechnics and employers to realise the government's goals for its new "vocational subjects", say industry leaders.
Teens to spend day at polytech as part of secondary school overhaul
The Education Minister said she wanted vocational subjects to be valued as highly as academic ones.
Parents confused by advice on contaminated play sand
One parent says she feels as though there is no guidance on what she should do with play sand that potentially contains asbestos in her home. Audio
Ministry gets 'enormous amounts' of calls, emails over play sand contamination
David Seymour says several hundred schools and childhood centres have contacted the Ministry of Education after the discovery of asbestos in a range of coloured play sand. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 18 November 2025
Air New Zealand cabin crew have voted to strike, but it's not clear when or for how long; Parents who have the potentially contaminated asbestos sand in their homes want more guidelines as to how to… Audio
Parents and staff concerned over asbestos contamination
An increasing number of schools and early childhood centres are closing due to potential exposure to asbestos, which has been found in types of educational play sand. Dr Terri-Ann Berry, board chair… Audio
Wesley College's school board dissolved after safety concerns at its hostels
An external review into the board is being commissioned.
Potential contamination closes dozens of schools
Parents who have the potentially contaminated asbestos sand in their homes want more guidelines as to how to manage the substance. Mother Janelle Hill spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Less than 50 percent of trainees completing apprenticeships
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says she is seeking extra funding so new industry bodies can investigate the low completion rates.
Testing continues following asbestos sand contamination
Testing coloured play sand for asbestos contamination is set to continue, with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment expecting to have results in a few days. Laura Gemmell from Eco… Audio
