Labour's now saying it won't scrap a requirement that kids be taught an hour of reading, writing, and maths a day.

The party's copping criticism from National after Labour leader Chris Hipkins suggested it should be up to schools to make that call.

A Curia poll shows 74 percent of people support the mandated learning.

Labour's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds says she's been told teachers currently decide how they split up those hours.

"My understanding is - we're not going to change it as it currently stands, because it currently teachers have that discretion." 

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