New Zealand's bullying problem may be going unchecked because schools do not want to share their problems nationwide.

International student numbers have bounced back after years of decline, driving the value of the country's fifth largest export industry to $2.85 billion, says a report by Education New Zealand.

The Government's $359 million expert teachers policy has proved to be the latest in a series of "epic failures" in the education sector due to a lack of consultation with teachers.

The Education Minister has defended national standards despite an independent report which found teachers get them right only 60 per cent of the time.

The Government wants charter schools despite a damning study which says they may do more harm than good.

National Standards, broadband get more but unions say parents will fund gap.

More than 100,000 parents will have less money in their pockets when the changes to the Working For families scheme announced today come into effect, with more than 23,000 of them earning less than $60,000 a year.

The Children's Commissioner has called for a review of paid parental leave in order to help more parents care for children under the age of 1 at home.

School support staff are attending union meetings over the next two weeks to vote on a new work deal, including a pay rise.