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Homeschool Amendments Removed, Cross-Party Support

National Council of Home Educators of New Zealand (NCHENZ)

Wellington, New Zealand - 27 May 2026

Home educators across New Zealand celebrated today as Education Minister Erica Stanford removed controversial amendments to the Education bill.

Families from as far north as Taranaki gathered at a days notice for the “Bringing Learning to Parliament” event, showcasing the joyous reality of home education to Parliamentarians and the public. At its peak, around 200 children, parents and supporters picnicked on the Parliament lawn, many bringing books, art and activities to show dignitaries.

Labour Education spokesperson Ginny Andersen; Green Education spokesperson Lawrence Xu-Nan; Hon David Seymour, Laura McClure (Education spokesperson) and Cameron Luxton from ACT; NZ First Party Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters, Andy Foster (NZ First Education Spokesperson) and finally, Education Minister Erica Stanford met with NCHENZ Government Liaison Cynthia Hancox and onlookers.

Minister Stanford announced just before 1 PM that amendments to the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill were being withdrawn.

Cynthia Hancox told expectant families that “there were extra considerations [Minister Stanford] wasn’t aware of, and the work of all of you writing to them has brought those to her attention.

“She has been working hard over the last 24 hours, and they have decided to completely remove the amendments and consider revisiting them down the track with proper consultation. So that’s the best outcome.”

Over cheers, Hancox concluded, “Thank you all for what you have done and for coming here today. It really makes a big difference to show the politicians and Parliament how much we care about our children and about our homeschooling freedoms.”