Ka mua, ka muri

Ka mua, ka muri means ‘walking backwards into the future’, essentially looking to the past to inform the future. This is not only our final issue of the year, but the last issue before the Gazette enters its 100th year of publication. This milestone gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past 100 years of education in New Zealand and consider the direction we are taking as we move forward.

Celebrating 100 years

The first issue of 2021 will include special interactive video experiences to explore the history and future of education in New Zealand. It will incorporate augmented reality technology to help bring the past and the future ‘to life’. We’ll include clear instructions for how to access these special features.

We will also feature content over the course of next year that shares the perspectives of people and the rich histories of schools, kura and early learning centres around the country.

Reflecting on 2020

Ka mua, ka muri is not only a fitting whakataukī for marking the Gazette’s centenary, but also feels appropriate when considering the challenging circumstances of 2020 and how they have informed how we do things going forward.

In reflecting back on 2020, it is timely to highlight some of the compelling stories that emerged throughout a difficult year. We heard about communities rallying together, about teachers and students embracing online learning, about efforts to look after one another’s wellbeing, and so much more. Thank you for sharing your stories.

More online content

Covid-19 also prompted us to explore new ways of delivering the Education Gazette and make better use of our online channels.

The online-only issues published during Alert Levels 3 and 4 were well-received by the sector. This, and the increasing number of people signing up to the Gazette’s e-newsletter, YouTube channel, and Instagram account indicates a growing preference for accessing content online. As such, next year we will be reducing the number of printed issues to 16 per year (four per term) and delivering more quality content through our online channels.

Notices and vacancies

Sector feedback has also indicated that most people prefer to search vacancies and notices online. So, from next year, gazette.education.govt.nz will be the go-to place for vacancy, notice and PLD listings.

Larger vacancy and notice advertisements will still appear both in print and online, but the free listings will be published online only, meaning you don’t have to wait for an issue to search this section of the Gazette. This will be clearly signposted in the printed issue.

Staying in touch

Make sure you’re subscribed to our e-newsletter at gazette.education.govt.nz/alerts/sign-up-for-the-newsletter(external link) to access our centenary features, as well as all the latest content and vacancies online.