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27/11/2025
Michele Whiting
[FYI request #32743 email]
Tēnā koe Michelle
OIA: GEMS-45518 – social sciences curriculum writers
Thank you for your email of 5 November 2025 to the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) requesting
the following information:
Can you please send me the names of the people involved in writing the content of the draft social
sciences curriculum refresh, released in October 2025. The content specifically relates to the
"Knowledge" (lists of facts, concepts, principles, and theories) and "Practices" (skills strategies and
applications) for years 1-10 students
Your request has been considered under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act).
Writing of curriculum content is undertaken by Ministry staff. While the Ministry has engaged
external advice in the curriculum development process, the Ministry retains full ownership of
curriculum content and is committed to making sure it reflects our national context and values. We
remain focused on delivering a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that supports all learners to thrive.
While not responsible for writing content, in updating the social sciences learning area the Ministry
established the following groups of sector representatives to provide advice, input and / or review
of the curriculum content:
• the Social Sciences Focus Review Group;
• the Social Sciences Contributing Group; and
• the Curriculum Coherence Group.
The role of the Social Sciences Focus Review Group is to review the content and materials
developed by the internal Ministry writers. The group is not a decision-making body and is not
responsible for the development or delivery of curriculum materials. The Group’s reviews provide
valuable insights and perspectives at key stages of the process, helping to shape and inform the
next phases of development. The Social Science Focus Review Group is comprised of school,
university, subject association and other relevant organisation representation.
Wellington National Office, 1 The Terrace, Levels 5 to 14, Wellington 6011
PO Box 1666, Wellington 6140, DX SR51201 Phone: +64 4 463 8000
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The Ministry established the Social Sciences Contributing Group for the social sciences learning
area to provide advice, knowledge and input to the Ministry for the development of curriculum
content. Members of the Contributing Group are sector representatives with varying backgrounds
and experience that collectively make up the expertise required to contribute to development of the
social sciences learning area as a whole.
The Ministry has also established the Curriculum Coherence Group, which is made up of external
sector experts that provide regular guidance to ensure coherence across and within the updated
New Zealand Curriculum, including the social sciences learning area. You can find details of the
members of the Curriculum Coherence Group on the Ministry’s website here:
tahurangi.education.govt.nz/our-story
In addition to the groups mentioned above, the Ministry also engaged the Retirement Commission
to provide specific representation for financial education.
As development of draft phases 1-4 of the social sciences learning area nears completion, the
Contributing Group approach is being reviewed for phase 5, where we intend to use an updated
approach.
I am refusing your request for the names of individual writers under section 18(a) of the Act by
virtue of section 9(2)(a) of the Act providing good reason to withhold this information to protect the
privacy of natural persons. In reaching this decision we have had particular regard to the potential
for these individuals to receive unsolicited online attention arising from their involvement in these
issues.
As required under section 9(1) of the Act, I have considered the public interest in releasing the
information withheld. I do not consider that the public interest considerations favouring the release
of this information are sufficient to outweigh the need to withhold it at this time.
Thank you again for your email. You have the right to ask an Ombudsman to review my decision
on your request, in accordance with section 28 of the Act. You can do this by writing to
[email address] or to Office of the Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.
Nāku noa, nā
Derek Lyons
Programme Director Te Mahau | Te Poutāhū (Curriculum Centre)
OIA: GEMS45518
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