State schools' terms and holidays will change from 2006, acting Education Minister Steve Maharey said today.

The Government had been told by schools and the public that the school year should start later, finish closer to Christmas and there should be a greater alignment between primary and secondary schools, the minister said in a statement.

"In order to accommodate these requests, I am announcing that from 2006, the school year will begin in February, either immediately after Waitangi Day (February 6) or as close to that date as possible," Mr Maharey said.

"Term three for secondary and composite (year 1-13) schools will include a week's holiday to enable secondary schools to take part in national winter sports tournaments."

Mr Maharey said Education Minister Trevor Mallard had consulted with principals, teacher groups and the Secondary School Sports Council.

The changes would mean the secondary school year would finish later and much closer to the end of the primary school year.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority would start the external National Certificate of Education exams a week later as a result of the changes.

"This will prevent the current stop-start disruption to learning that occurs at the beginning of the year due to the Waitangi Day holiday and also prevent the half empty secondary classrooms that we often see during winter tournament week," Mr Maharey said.

"It will also help teachers as it means they will no longer have to prepare lessons while they are away with their sports team, or play catch-up with their classes when they return."

- NZPA

Printed in the NZ Herald 21.5..04