Since the OECD began monitoring education systems in 2000, New Zealand was initially a top performer due to its broad curriculum that included both academic and creative subjects. However, according to University of Auckland professor Peter O’Connor, the country’s education system started to decline after the 2008 election when the curriculum became more focused on literacy and numeracy, particularly with the introduction of National Standards in 2010. This shift led to a narrowing of the curriculum and a decline in international performance.
