'Common sense': New poll shows majority of parents support reading, writing and maths mandate

A new poll's showing overwhelming support for keeping mandatory hours of reading, writing and maths in schools.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said in last week's TVNZ leaders debate, they'd let teachers choose how to deliver the subjects. 

A Curia Market Research poll has since found 74 percent support the requirement. 

Parents' Alliance executive director Anya Zohrab says she thinks education policy could decide the election winner.

"We need common sense in this debate and unfortunately, because of the way our school system is set up - if you don't make it mandatory, it doesn't happen." 

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