Story perspectives

Education Ministry redirects RT Lit funds, hires 349 literacy teachers

6/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Ministry of Education redirected former RT Lit funding to develop expertise and expand structured literacy services.
Antony Harvey announced that structured literacy staffing rose to 349 teacher equivalents in 1,248 schools for 2026.
About 75 % of former RT Lit teachers remain employed, while specialists Hayley Henderson and Jenny Martin hold short-term contracts.
The 2026 budget includes a $131 million literacy and maths package to fund programmes, workbooks and additional intervention teachers.

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Story summary

The Ministry of Education redirected former RT Lit funding to develop expertise and expand structured literacy services.
Antony Harvey announced that structured literacy staffing rose to 349 teacher equivalents in 1,248 schools for 2026.
About 75 % of former RT Lit teachers remain employed, while specialists Hayley Henderson and Jenny Martin hold short-term contracts.
The 2026 budget includes a $131 million literacy and maths package to fund programmes, workbooks and additional intervention teachers.