NCEA Level 1 achievement's dropped to its lowest level in a decade, while all qualifications saw improvement. 

In 2024, achievement in Levels 2, 3, and University Entrance went up for the first time since 2020.  

Student's completing Level 1 continued to drop, and Māori also fell further behind. 

Darfield High School Principal Andy England told Ryan Bridge there've been problems with the qualification since its introduction. 

He says there's been a lot of tinkering for teachers to get their heads round and some of the introduction texts were awful. 

And secondary teachers will soon swapping their pens for pickets. 

Post Primary Teachers' Association members will put down the tools next Wednesday, rejecting a 3% pay increase over three years. 

Public Service Minister Judith Collins says the union didn't even have a counter offer. 

PPTA member and Rangitoto College teacher Paul Stevens says the offer is essentially a pay cut during a teacher shortage. 

He says it means wages don't even match inflation. 

England told Bridge with an incoming NCEA overhaul he gets where teachers are coming from. 

He asks what would you say if your boss offered to pay you less and work harder. 

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