Publication Details

Phonics Checks (New Zealand Curriculum) and Hihira Weteoro (Te Marautanga o Aotearoa) were introduced in 2025 as curriculum-aligned assessments that support consistent early identification of students needing extra support with phonemic awareness, phonics knowledge and decoding in their first years of school and kura. The checks also support our national understanding of early student progress and achievement so we can better resource schools and teachers.

Author(s): Ministry of Education

Date Published: Annually