Relocating to a new country is not a small decision; Ambler Collins aims to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable information on important aspects of life in the country your interested in moving to. Please see the menu below for more information on life in New Zealand.

• Summary Facts
• Life and culture
• Housing
• Work
• Education
• Health
• Currency, finance and tax

Education

New Zealand has a great educations system and its qualifications are recognized around the world. Primary, intermediate and secondary education is free, compulsory, and secular. There are also a wide range of private schools, many of which operate along cultural or religious lines. Schooling is compulsory from age 6 to 16, although, most students begin school aged 5. All schools are required to follow the NZ curriculums. The academic year follows the calendar year, with classes beginning around February/march and finish November/December with holidays depending on the level of study. Most students attend public/state schools, which are free, however a small fee/donation is usual.

Children with special needs: It is illegal to treat a student differently in New Zealand because they have a disability. The Specialist Education Services – SES provides services for children and young people with special needs.

Early childhood education (2-5 years old):

There is a wide range of early childhood education, both private and those run by community and volunteer groups. As opposed to primary and secondary, not all receive government funding. Early childhood education include:

Kindergartens - the most common early childhood education for children from three to five years, with children either attending morning of afternoon sessions. Education is informal and aim at developing social skills and learning through play. Other early childhood education include: Education and care centre’s , Polycentrism, Home-based care, and Playgroups

Primary Schools (5 to 12/13 years old):

The majority of children in NZ start school after their 5th birthday. For 3 years they have junior classes, then followed by 6 further years. Outside of core subjects such as English language, mathematics, science, social sciences, the arts, Maori language and culture, technology, and sport is taught widely.

Intermediate Schools (11-12/13 years old):

Many children choose to change to an intermediate school for their final 2 years of primary school., they are also known as middle schools or junior high schools.

Secondary School (12/13 – 17/18 Years old):

Children generally spend 5 years at secondary school. There are 440 state secondary schools in New Zealand, with the largest around 2500 students and average having around 1000. Students can go to whichever secondary school they choose, also if its not the nearest to their home. Students sit state run NCEA qualifications, which run over the course of their final 3 years at secondary school, although at some schools, usually private, IGSEA/A-Levels are available. All schools can be either Co-ed (both boys and girls), or single sex.

Non-state schools: there are a significant amount of non-traditional state schools in NZ, at both primary and secondary level, these include:

Integrated schools – are part of the state system but have a particular character, usually a religious belief.

Kura kaupapa Maori are state schools where teaching is in the Maori language.

Independent or Private schools are operated by their own board of governors and students pay fees.

Boarding Schools can be independent or part of state funded schools that charge boarding fees.

Tertiary Education:

There are 8 state funded Universities in New Zealand; Auckland, Victoria (Wellington), Canterbury (Christchurch) and Otago (Dunedin) are the traditional 4 major universities, with Waikato, Massey (Palmerston North and Wellington) Lincoln (Christchurch) and Auckland University of Technology specializing in various areas. The Level of tertiary education and research output is of a world standard, and NZ attracts a lot of highly regarded academic staff. Students work towards, bachelors, masters and doctorial degrees.

There are 23 Polytechnics in New Zealand, these provide up to degree level courses across a very wide range of subjects, including trades and skilled subjects.

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