New Zealand to Teach Cryptocurrency in Schools from 2026
New Zealand is preparing to transform its education system with the introduction of mandatory financial literacy in schools, set to begin in 2026. This innovative initiative will reach around 800,000 students across Years 0–10, aiming to equip them with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex digital economy.
The curriculum, embedded in Te Mātaiaho | The New Zealand Curriculum, will integrate financial literacy into the Social Sciences learning area.
Students will progress from fundamental money management, such as budgeting, to advanced topics including taxation, investment strategies, and understanding economic inequality. By Year 10, learners will tackle sophisticated concepts like the principles of investing and the risks associated with digital currencies.
Digital currencies, including cryptocurrencies, will feature prominently in the curriculum. Students will explore crypto as a technological innovation in value transfer rather than purely a speculative asset, with an emphasis on risk management and responsible investing.
Interactive learning will bring these concepts to life, with hands-on exercises simulating blockchain transactions, digital wallets, and real-world financial scenarios.
The rollout will begin in 2026, with full implementation expected by 2027. Educators will receive professional support through partnerships with organizations such as the Retirement Commission, ensuring that teachers are equipped to deliver this forward-looking curriculum effectively.
By providing structured, age-appropriate financial education, New Zealand is not only preparing its students for the future but also upholding their right to education that equips them with essential life skills, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
This milestone ensures children are empowered to make informed financial decisions, understand their economic environment, and participate confidently in the modern economy.
