The previous Government's plans to introduce new maths and literacy tests as an NCEA requirement from 2026 have been delayed.  

Trial runs of those tests have had failure rates of more than 40%.  

New Zealand Initiative research fellow Michael Johnston told Tim Dower that he understands kids will still be able to do the tests, but can also meet requirements through NCEA achievement standards, like in the past.  

But, he says, he'd like to see a certification for students who do pass those tests and meet requirements that way because they are more rigorous. 

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