Minister of Education (New Zealand)

The Minister of Education is a ministerial portfolio in the New Zealand government. The Minister is responsible for the overall direction of education policy in New Zealand, including early childhood education, primary and secondary schooling, tertiary education, and vocational training. The specific responsibilities and functions are outlined in legislation such as the Education and Training Act 2020.

The Minister's duties include:

• Setting the strategic direction for the education system.
• Overseeing the performance of the Ministry of Education and related Crown entities.
• Developing and implementing education policies and initiatives.
• Managing the education budget.
• Representing New Zealand's interests in international education forums.
• Liaising with stakeholders in the education sector, including teachers, principals, parents, and employers.

The Minister of Education is a member of the Cabinet and is accountable to Parliament for the performance of the education system. The role is a politically appointed position, and the incumbent is typically a member of the governing party or coalition in Parliament. The Minister is supported by the Ministry of Education, which is the government department responsible for administering education policies and programs. The office of the Minister is located within the Beehive in Wellington. The Minister often works closely with other Ministers such as the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction, Minister of Social Development, and Minister of Employment.