A major overhaul of the school system is being heralded as the biggest shake-up in 30 years - but the Education Minister has backed down on a controversial proposal for regional education hubs.
The government on Tuesday unveiled major changes aimed at giving schools more support and reducing competition for students.
They include creating a new division of the Education Ministry to work more closely with schools and setting minimum standards for people who want to be principals.
Teachers and principals appear cautiously optimistic about the changes, although some are nervous that schools will lose the right to manage out-of-zone enrolments and run their own property.
RNZ education correspondent John Gerritsen has the story.
