Media Release: More than 5000 children waiting for specialist learning support

New Ministry of Education data shows 5,134 children are waiting for specialist learning support (learning, behaviour, communication or ORS services) across New Zealand as of 31 August 2025, with an average recorded wait time of 88 days — just under three months. However, specialist staff argue this is an underestimate, because minimal contact (e.g. a phone call) is sometimes logged as a “service start,” even though real support is delayed. In some regions, waits far exceed official figures; in parts of Auckland, children wait 154 days.

Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand reports that some of its centres face waits of up to nine months. The long delays risk widening learning gaps and, in severe cases, exclusion from early childhood settings. The Government has committed Budget 2025 funding to expand capacity and clear waitlists.

You can read the full article on thepress.co.nz.