We are planning some updates to our PAT Listening Comprehension content for 2026. As part of this refresh, Tests 6 and 8 will no longer be offered in either online or paper format. This decision reflects both regular content review and feedback we’ve received from schools and whānau.
During this feedback process, a few comments highlighted that certain texts might be unsettling or distracting for some ākonga in a standardised test setting. While these instances have been limited, we took this input seriously.
To ensure our listening materials remain engaging, inclusive, and appropriate, we carried out a careful review of all texts across the PAT Listening suite. The review considered:
- Cultural representation and sensitivity
- Age appropriateness for listening
- Equity and inclusion
- Potential for distress
- Oral language and register
- Listening fairness
- Stylistic demands
- Use of humour or potential distractions
We also revisited records from the original test development.
What we found
Overall, the texts remain engaging and provide a wide range of listening experiences, many with Māori and Pacific themes. A very small number of texts were identified as ones that might cause discomfort or distraction in a standardised setting, and we are making updates accordingly.
Decisions for 2026
Following our review, we will take the following steps for 2026:
Retiring Tests 6 and 8
We will retire the tests currently designed for Year 8 (Test 6) and Year 10 (Test 8) at the end of 2025. Listening comprehension at these levels can be effectively assessed using the Year 7 and Year 9 tests, which have established norms for older year groups and can be repeated, if needed, to track progress.
Planning for Redevelopment
NZCER will begin planning a comprehensive redevelopment of the PAT Listening Comprehension suite. During this period, both online and paper-based formats will remain available and fully supported.
Next steps
You can continue to use Test 6 and Test 8 during 2025. Any existing data for these test options will be retained in our NZCER Assist platform.
In December 2025 we will retire Test 6 and Test 8 in preparation for 2026. You will still be able to view reporting and data in our NZCER Assist platform for these test options once this change is completed.
If you have purchased test materials (Test booklets, answer sheets) for Test 6 and/or Test 8 for planned 2026 assessment activity please contact us at: sales@nzcer.org.nz
Our sales team we will arrange a courier bag to return the material to NZCER, and a refund will be arranged upon receipt of the paper materials.
If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact us at assessmentservices@nzcer.org.nz