What Is the RSE Curriculum in New Zealand?

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is an important part of the New Zealand curriculum. It helps children and young people develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed to build healthy relationships, understand themselves and others, make informed decisions, and stay safe throughout their lives.

RSE is delivered through the Health and Physical Education learning area and is designed to support students’ wellbeing, personal development, and social understanding.

The programme evolves as students grow, providing age-appropriate learning that reflects their stage of development and the needs of their community.

Why Relationships and Sexuality Education Matters

Young people face a wide range of social, emotional, and digital challenges. Quality Relationships and Sexuality Education helps students:

• Build healthy and respectful relationships
• Understand consent and personal boundaries
• Develop communication skills
• Respect diversity and inclusion
• Navigate friendships and peer pressure
• Stay safe online and offline
• Strengthen self-esteem and confidence
• Make informed decisions about their wellbeing

RSE is about much more than sexual health. It supports the overall wellbeing of children and young people and encourages respectful relationships in all areas of life.

How RSE Fits Into the New Zealand Curriculum

Relationships and Sexuality Education is part of Health Education within the Health and Physical Education learning area.

Schools are responsible for designing programmes that meet curriculum requirements while reflecting the values, needs, and cultural context of their communities.

This means that while all schools follow the New Zealand Curriculum, the way RSE is delivered may vary from one school to another.

Schools are expected to consult with their communities and keep parents informed about health education programmes.

What Students Learn Throughout Their School Years

Years 1–3

At the early primary level, learning focuses on:

• Building positive relationships
• Understanding feelings and emotions
• Respecting others
• Personal identity and belonging
• Basic safety skills
• Developing communication skills

The focus is on helping children understand themselves and how to interact positively with others.

Years 4–6

Students begin to explore:

• Friendships and social relationships
• Diversity and inclusion
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Managing emotions
• Personal safety
• Respecting differences

Learning continues to focus on wellbeing, respect, and healthy interactions.

Years 7–8

As students approach adolescence, topics may include:

• Puberty and physical changes
• Emotional development
• Healthy relationships
• Respect and responsibility
• Gender and identity
• Online behaviour and safety
• Understanding consent

Programmes are designed to support students during a period of significant personal growth and change.

Years 9–10

Secondary students may learn about:

• Relationship skills
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Consent and boundaries
• Sexual health and wellbeing
• Diversity and inclusion
• Online relationships
• Media influences

Learning encourages critical thinking and informed decision-making.

Years 11–13

Senior students often explore:

• Mature relationships
• Personal values and decision-making
• Sexual health information
• Consent in complex situations
• Respectful partnerships
• Community and social responsibility

Learning at this level supports students as they prepare for adulthood.

Consent Education in New Zealand Schools

Consent is a key part of healthy relationships.

Students learn that consent means freely agreeing to something without pressure, manipulation, or coercion. They also learn the importance of respecting personal boundaries and communicating clearly with others.

Consent education helps young people develop respectful attitudes and understand their rights and responsibilities in relationships.

Online Safety and Digital Relationships

Digital technology plays a major role in modern life, making online safety an important part of Relationships and Sexuality Education.

Students may learn about:

• Safe online communication
• Respectful digital behaviour
• Privacy and personal information
• Social media awareness
• Managing online relationships
• Responding to inappropriate content

These skills help young people navigate digital environments safely and responsibly.

Diversity, Inclusion and Respect

New Zealand schools aim to create learning environments where all students feel valued and respected.

RSE encourages students to:

• Respect different backgrounds and experiences
• Understand diversity within society
• Challenge harmful stereotypes
• Promote inclusion and belonging
• Develop empathy and understanding

These values help create safer and more supportive school communities.

Information for Parents

Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting their children’s learning and wellbeing.

Schools generally provide information about health education programmes and may consult with families about the content being delivered.

Parents can:

• Talk openly with their children
• Ask questions about school programmes
• Support age-appropriate learning at home
• Encourage respectful discussions about relationships and wellbeing

Working together helps create consistent messages and support for young people.

Information for Teachers and Schools

Effective Relationships and Sexuality Education is:

• Age-appropriate
• Inclusive
• Evidence-informed
• Culturally responsive
• Focused on student wellbeing

Schools should regularly review programmes to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and aligned with curriculum expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does RSE stand for?

RSE stands for Relationships and Sexuality Education.

Is RSE compulsory in New Zealand?

Relationships and Sexuality Education forms part of Health Education within the New Zealand Curriculum, although schools determine how programmes are delivered.

What age do students start learning RSE?

Learning begins in primary school with age-appropriate topics such as friendships, feelings, communication, and personal wellbeing.

Does RSE only focus on sex education?

No. RSE covers a broad range of topics including relationships, wellbeing, communication, consent, inclusion, identity, and personal safety.

Why is consent taught in schools?

Consent education helps students understand respect, personal boundaries, communication, and healthy relationships.

Final Thoughts

Relationships and Sexuality Education plays an important role in helping young people develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build healthy relationships and make informed decisions throughout life.

By supporting wellbeing, respect, inclusion, and personal growth, the RSE curriculum helps prepare students for the challenges and opportunities they may face both in school and beyond.