Aotearoa is at very high risk of a measles outbreak and not enough of us are immune.

To be immune, you must have had measles before OR at least two doses of a measles vaccine after the age of 12 months. 

Local childhood immunisation rates are declining. Low immunity and the close contact nature of education settings means one infected person could quickly expose and spread measles to many others, starting an outbreak that could be hard to control.  

People can be infectious before they develop measles symptoms and know they’re sick. Being immune is important for everyone’s safety – it’s the only way to make sure you won’t get or spread measles, even if you’ve been exposed.  

It’s a good idea for all education staff to check their immunity to measles. See information on checking immunity here:

Measles immunity – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

My Health Record – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

If you aren’t immune, or you’re not sure, two doses of the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is your best protection. You can book a vaccine online: 

Home – Book My Vaccine

For suspected or confirmed measles cases at your facility, contact your local Public Health Service urgently.

If you were selected to take part in the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) Starting Strong data collection, you and participating kaiako can complete it online before 29 August. A fully completed survey is our aim but even partially completed surveys will give us valuable information.

We thank leaders and kaiako in early learning who have taken part this year and contributed their time, experiences, and opinions to this research. 

Any pātai, email starting.strong@education.govt.nz– we can also resupply login information to any individuals who have misplaced theirs. 

TALIS Starting Strong – Education Counts

We’ve updated the application dates on these two webpages. Where possible, applications now open on the first working day of the month and close seven calendar days later. The webpages are updated each month to include the lists of services whose teachers are receiving these allowances. 

Waha Rumaki – Ministry of Education

Pacific Immersion Teachers’ Allowance (PITA) – Ministry of Education