We did it. Outdoor Education is back on the Ministry-led subject list at Years 12 and 13. Today, we have some very good news to share. More than 53,000 people signed the petition calling for Outdoor Education to remain a recognised Ministry-led senior subject, supported by a dedicated curriculum, assessment and resources. That extraordinary level of support sent a clear message that Outdoor Education matters to young people, whānau, schools and communities across Aotearoa. Thank you for adding your name and voice to the campaign.
Many of you also shared the petition, contacted decision-makers, made submissions, created videos, told your stories, spoke to the media or encouraged others to get involved. Every action helped make the strength of support for Outdoor Education visible.
To: Erica Stanford, Minister of Education
Stop the Government taking away Outdoor Education
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We call on the House of Representatives to urge the Ministry of Education to keep Outdoor Education on the senior curriculum subject list, with dedicated curriculum, assessments, and resources.
Why is this important?
Outdoor Education gives young people opportunities they can’t always get in a classroom. It builds resilience, confidence, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It keeps students engaged in school, especially those who struggle in traditional settings, and connects them with Aotearoa’s unique environment, culture, and outdoor heritage. These are life skills that benefit every student, no matter their future pathway.
But the Ministry of Education has indicated that Outdoor Education will not be on the new subject list of senior subjects. This means it won’t be recognised as a general subject and will have no Ministry-developed curriculum, assessments, or resources. Instead, it would be reduced to a narrow vocational option, controlled by a national skills body that has not yet been established. Schools would lose the flexibility to design courses that reflect their local environment and community, and some may stop offering Outdoor Education altogether.
Losing recognition at this level strips Outdoor Education of its academic value, limits what schools can offer, and removes a subject that not only supports careers in tourism, recreation, and conservation but also grows the confidence and well-being of our young people.
The NCEA proposed changes are open for submissions until the 15th September, so we are working to a short deadline.
Please sign this petition so we can make sure Outdoor Education remains a valued subject that changes lives and strengthens our future.
How it will be delivered
We plan to deliver the petition formally to the House of Representatives, addressed to the Minister of Education, Erica Stanford. This ensures it is tabled in Parliament and officially acknowledged.