Language learning in New Zealand has reached a crisis point. A new report shows fewer Kiwi students are learning additional languages today than back in the 1930s — and experts say the time for change is now.
The report, Language Learning for New Zealand’s Future, recommends making second language study compulsory from Years 7 to 10, with at least three to four hours of teaching every week.
Why it matters
Currently, languages are the only one of the eight learning areas in the national curriculum that isn’t compulsory. Juliet Kennedy, President of the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers, warns that this gap is costing us academically, culturally, and economically.
Learning another language doesn’t just help with communication. Research shows it improves literacy, problem-solving, and overall academic performance. It also strengthens cultural identity and gives New Zealand a competitive edge in business, trade, and diplomacy.
Falling behind the world
At a recent national forum in Auckland, over 100 educators, language experts, government officials, and rangatahi came together to discuss the issue. The key message was that New Zealand is falling behind.
- Enrolments in language classes have been in long-term decline.
- Unlike New Zealand, other English-speaking countries — including Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa — all require students to learn a second language.
- In Europe, multilingualism is the norm.
- While New Zealand has strong language teachers, many are leaving the profession due to low demand.
A moment for change
The timing is critical. With the Government currently refreshing the national curriculum, advocates say there’s a golden opportunity to make languages a core subject.
Jo Coughlan, Chair of the New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust, says the issue goes beyond just one language:
“The learning of any language, including Pacific languages, benefits students’ education and helps New Zealand remain globally competitive and engaged.”
What needs to happen
The report’s main recommendations are clear:
- Make language learning compulsory in Years 7–10
- Build multiple learning pathways so students can access different languages
- Support and expand the language teaching workforce
- Establish a national languages policy to guide long-term change
The bottom line
As Kennedy puts it:
“We cannot afford to fall further behind. Strong government leadership and commitment to language teaching is essential.”
With youth engagement, global competitiveness, and cultural identity all on the line, the question now is whether New Zealand will seize this chance to put languages back at the heart of education.
Source: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2509/S00010/language-learning-in-new-zealand-at-crisis-point.htm