Does the Minister accept the reasons for including Te Tiriti and climate change within social work curriculums taught at universities, as outlined by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers in their media release of 20 February 2026?

Answer

The Education and Training Act 2020 provides tertiary education institutes, including universities, with the freedom and autonomy to make operational decisions. This means decisions regarding the design and content of their academic programmes, including social work qualifications, lie with the universities themselves. I am advised that universities work with industry partners, and relevant professional bodies to ensure their programmes remain aligned with the needs of the sector and meet registration requirements.