Government to introduce nine new school subjects tied to jobs

The government has announced nine new secondary school subjects designed to prepare students for careers, including manufacturing, smart technology, and healthcare. They will start in 2029, when a new qualification replaces NCEA — the system most schools currently use. Education Minister Erica Stanford and Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the plan at Meridian Energy's Mākara windfarm. Industry skills boards will develop the subjects.