New poll shows Kiwis back the hour-a-day reading, writing and maths requirement

MEDIA RELEASE

13 October 2026

New poll shows Kiwis back the hour-a-day reading, writing and maths requirement 

A new poll commissioned by The Parents’ Alliance shows overwhelming support for requiring primary and intermediate schools to teach at least an hour a day each of reading, writing and maths, including among Labour voters, just days after Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he would scrap the requirement.

The Curia Market Research poll found 74 per cent of Kiwis support the requirement, with just 15 per cent opposed, a ratio of almost five to one.

Among Labour voters, support was 63 per cent, with 23 per cent opposed, nearly three to one.

A majority of voters in every age group, region, ethnic group and income bracket also supported an hour-a-day of reading, writing and maths.

Parents of children under 18 back the requirement by more than three to one (67 per cent support, 20 per cent oppose).

In last Tuesday’s TVNZ leaders’ debate, Mr Hipkins said Labour would scrap the requirement for primary and intermediate schools to teach an average of at least an hour a day each of reading, writing and maths, saying schools should decide how to deliver the curriculum.

“This poll confirms what we said on debate night,” said Parents’ Alliance Chair Cameron Bagrie. “Parents expect their children to spend most of their time at primary school on the basics. That isn’t a left or right thing. Labour’s own voters back it by nearly three to one. There is also very strong support for such basics, irrespective of what people’s income is.”

“This poll confirms that education isn’t a partisan issue, across all party lines, people support policies that focus on teaching the basics in school.”

“An hour a day of reading, writing and maths isn’t radical, it’s the bare minimum parents expect.”

“These aren't just numbers. They're mums, dads and grandparents who want to know their kids can read a book, write a story and add up the change.”

“New Zealand’s education standards have slipped badly over the last twenty years. A 15-year-old today is doing maths at the level a 13-year-old did 20 years ago. This is not the time to take the focus off reading, writing and maths.”

“Whoever forms the next Government, the message is simple: keep the hour a day, follow the evidence and take on board the views of parents.”

ENDS

About the poll: Curia Market Research surveyed 1,000 eligible voters between 8 and 12 October 2026, 500 by phone and 500 by online panel. The question asked: “Do you support or oppose there being a requirement for primary and intermediate schools to devote a minimum of one hour a day to each of reading, writing and mathematics?” Results are weighted by gender, age and area. The maximum margin of error is ±3.1 per cent at the 95 per cent confidence level; sub-group results have a higher margin of error. Full results are available at parentsalliance.nz.

Media contact: Cameron Bagrie, Chair and Spokesperson, The Parents’ Alliance 027 290 9844

About the Parents' Alliance: The Parents’ Alliance Te Kotahitanga o ngā Mātua, Le Lotogatasi o Mātua, 家长联盟, पारिवारिक मंच is a national group building a collective voice for parents, grandparents and whānau in education.

More information: parentsalliance.nz

Curia Market Research - Education Issues Poll, August 2026