Hon JAN TINETTI (Associate Minister of Education (School Operations)): This morning I announced a package of changes to NCEA and university entrance, to recognise the impact COVID-19 has had on senior students' assessment in 2022. We've heard from schools how significant absences of students and teachers—as a result of COVID-19—have had a substantial impact on teaching and learning. These changes are designed to recognise the disruption, and provide relief for students while preserving the integrity of NCEA and the learning it represents. We're making measured and proportionate changes based on advice by expert advisory groups to give senior students certainty that despite the disruption they have faced, they will have a fair opportunity to gain the credits and qualifications they need for the future. 