Four new regional director roles have been created at the Ministry of Education.
The positions will be based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. They are responsible for the management of all of the ministry's functions in the regions.
The ministry's deputy secretary of regional operations Katrina Casey said the regional directors had broad experience in education, the wider social sector, leadership, and change management.
"This mix of skills will help ensure the ministry's operational arm remains focused on working effectively with the sector to achieve optimal learner outcomes.
"Building strong sector relationships is a priority for all roles."
Labour Party education spokeswoman Nanaia Mahuta said the move suggested Education Minister Hekia Parata was looking to overhaul the ministry's regional operations, which she says will lead to further separation in what the minister, the ministry and the education sector are doing.
"This move will further inflame the strained relationship between the sector and the Government that has become such a problem under Ms Parata.
"The minister's stewardship of education has been a disastrous series of bungles and botched decisions," said Ms Mahuta.
She listed the Government's attempt to increase class sizes, problems with the new payroll system Novopay, the use of "ropey" national standards data, and the lack of consultation and correct data on proposed closures, mergers and relocations of Christchurch schools, which Ms Mahuta said were a disaster for education.
"The minster's regional shake-up will not give confidence to principals and teachers. Instead it's likely to make matters worse."
