
We evaluate the performance of the education system, the effectiveness of programmes and interventions, and shine a light on good practice.
Our work helps those in the education system to:
- understand the performance and quality of education in New Zealand
- develop the evidence base about what works to improve learning outcomes for all students
- support education system reform, and evidence informed decision making and improvement in practice
- reflect and integrate a te ao Māori worldview in the creation, implementation and dissemination of knowledge found through research and evaluation.
We regularly publish research and reports
Read the research we have published.
Our latest release
Our latest release looks at the impact of Covid-19 on Pacific learners and has found that Covid-19 has significantly and disproportionally impacted Pacific learners.
There are concerns about the impact the disruption has had on engagement in education. Attendance rates for Pacific learners are falling behind other groups – at the end of November last year attendance for Pacific students was only 47 percent. Our report also shows that Pacific learners’ achievement fell in 2021.
Despite this, Pacific learners’ families, communities, and schools have been outstanding in supporting their students. To ensure these learnings are captured, this report also provide examples of ways these groups have worked to support Pacific learners during the pandemic and provides recommendations on how to support Pacific learners going forward.

We continue to research a range of questions
Read more about questions we are asking.
We are asking a range of research questions and use our work in schools and services, alongside broader research to:

We hold research seminars about areas impacting New Zealand education
Find out about our regular seminars and forums.
Who we work with
We work closely with experts, whānau, iwi, and communities to ensure that our work reflects their perspective, the most up-to-date knowledge and appropriate tools and approaches.
We partner with organisations including the Ministry of Education, NZCER and universities to strengthen the evidence base and make better use of data.
For more information
Contact Te Ihuwaka: TeIhuwaka@ero.govt.nz