PHILOSOPHY TEACHERS AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
NGĀ KAIAKO MĀTAURANGA WHAKAARO
We are an incorporated society that exists to advance the teaching and learning of philosophy and philosophical inquiry, developing the subject, supporting teachers, and establishing philosophy’s place at the heart of education.
Philosophy Teachers Aotearoa New Zealand | Ngā Kaiako Mātauranga Whakaaro (PTANZ) is the professional association for teachers of philosophy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The announcement that Civics, Politics and Philosophy (CPP) is to be introduced as a Year 12 and 13 subject from 2028 marks a significant milestone for philosophy in Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing together civic participation, political systems, civic institutions, ethical decision-making, reasoning, and philosophical inquiry. It recognises what philosophy teachers have long known: that thinking well, arguing well, and living well are learned skills, and they matter.
What we do
PTANZ is honoured to hold a Networks of Expertise (NEX) contract with the Ministry of Education to support teachers and schools in implementing CPP. Beyond that work, we support philosophy in schools more broadly through membership, annual conferences, professional learning, and resource sharing.
PTANZ:
Supports Teachers in the implementation of Civics, Politics, and Philosophy
Advances the teaching and learning of philosophy in Aotearoa New Zealand
Provides PLD, resources and collegial support for teachers and schools
Strengthens subject leadership across primary, secondary and tertiary settings
Facilitates collaboration, curriculum development and research in philosophy
Promotes ethical, inclusive and culturally responsive practice in teaching and learning
Engages with the Ministry of Education, NZQA and partner organisations
Connects with stakeholders and experts nationally and internationally
In an era of misinformation, geopolitical instability, the exponential rise of AI, and growing threats to democratic values and social cohesion, the skills philosophy develops are not simply “nice to haves”. They are core to what education is for and to the obligations states hold under international agreements for transformative education: equipping young people to navigate complexity, think and act with integrity, and contribute to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. The ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, construct reasoned arguments, and make sound ethical judgements are foundations, not extras. Issues come and go, the knowledge and skills are for life.
CPP offers a significant opportunity and a milestone in the development of philosophy in schools, alongside a broad commitment to educating for informed and active citizenship and political engagement.
