Relationships and sexuality education supports young people to gain knowledge and skills to make informed, confident decisions about their sexuality and sexual health, and to develop respectful, consensual relationships. Relationships and sexuality education is important for positive youth development and wellbeing. It supports young people to be healthy and safe, to feel confident in their own identities, and to be inclusive and respectful of others. 

Relationships and Sexuality Education is taught from year 1. There isn’t a set curriculum; each school creates its own. Schools are expected to consult with their community every two years on the delivery and contents of their health curriculum, of which it’s a part.

In 2020, the Ministry of Education introduced guidelines to support schools with their programme. They are an updated and more focused version of guidelines first published in 2002 and revised in 2015. The update was informed by an awareness of changing family structures, shifting social norms in relation to gender and sexuality, and the rise of social media, digital communications and devices. 

In 2023, as part of the coalition deal between National, Act and New Zealand First, the Government agreed to ‘refocus the curriculum on academic achievement, including the removal and replacement of the gender sexuality and relationship-based education guidelines.’

A 2024 ERO report says misinformation, bigotry and threats of violence have derailed some schools’ attempts at consultation on their RSE curricula, and prompted some to reduce or avoid teaching the topic altogether.

In 2024 Rainbow Wellington joined with primary teachers’ union NZEI Te Riu Roa to host a Public Forum on the value of the relationship and sexuality education guidelines in schools, and to oppose the government’s commitment to remove and replace them.