Education in New Zealand for newcomers

HOW DO NEW ZEALAND SCHOOLS WORK?

'State' education (both primary and secondary) is free for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. The national tax system pays for it. But most schools also like parents to help with running costs with a donation or contribution. Most children in New Zealand go to a state school, but there are also private schools, boarding schools, and home-based schooling. Most of these schools will charge fees for a child's education.

You do have a lot of choice in your schooling. It is a good idea to get as much information about the schools in your area as you can. Talk to other parents and children, visit the schools, and arrange to meet the principals and staff before deciding. In New Zealand, school is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Most children start school when they turn five years old.

SCHOOL ZONE

Parents can apply to enrol their child at any state school (as long as there is no enrolment scheme in place). But be aware that each school has its own 'zone' (based on its location) and your address must be part of the zone before you can enrol. You will need to provide a proof of address (such as a power bill) to show that you are in the school's zone.

SCHOOL TERM

The school year usually runs from the end of January to mid-December, and is divided into four 'terms'. You can find out more about term dates from Ministry of Education.

EDUCATION STRUCTURE

USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS

Ministry of Education
search for term dates schools tertiary education
www.minedu.govt.nz
(09) 632 9400

Team Up
search for migrants resource
www.teamup.co.nz

Career Services
www.careers.govt.nz
0800 222 733

ARMS (Auckland Regional Migrant Services)
www.arms-mrc.org.nz

Three Kings Resource Centre
09 625 2440
reception@arms-mrc.org.nz

Manukau Resource Centre
09 263 5490
manukau@arms-mrc.org.nz

North Shore Resource Centre
09 419 7340
reception@arms-mrc.org.nz

CAB (Citizen's Advice Bureau)
www.cab.org.nz
09 624 2550
To find your nearest local CAB www.cab.org.nz/bureaux/loc-north.htm