The Government's considering a major decision over the future of NCEA following a damning report on the qualification.

One of the problems highlighted is that courses can be structured around those perceived to be easier to gain credits.

Another is around the lack of external exams.

Education Minister Erica Stanford says the current education system has been 'massaged' to meet levels of declining student achievement - and that needs to change. 

"That's not what we want for this country and that's not what we want for our kids."

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