School attendance and absences

The story so far

An Education Review Office report found that more parents now disapprove of children missing a week or more of school than in 2022.^{8 Oct 2025} The report said attitudes toward truancy have improved, but term-time holidays and family events remain significant attendance challenges for schools.^{8 Oct 2025} The report suggested that regional school holiday dates could reduce families' incentive to take children out early for cheaper airfares, and Associate Education Minister David Seymour is considering the idea.^{8 Oct 2025} Seymour noted that the change could create problems.^{8 Oct 2025} Te Kōmanawa Rowley Primary School in Christchurch is offering new uniforms and free stationery to families whose children reach attendance targets, in line with a government goal of 80% of students attending school 90% of the time by 2030.^{20 Oct 2025}

Latest

A Christchurch primary school has begun offering new uniforms and free stationery to families whose children meet attendance targets.^{20 Oct 2025}

What's next

The government's goal is for 80% of students to attend school 90% of the time by 2030.^{20 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 8 Oct 2025More parents less comfortable with week-long school absences than in 2022
2. 8 Oct 2025Seymour considers different school holiday dates for different regions to combat truancy
3. 8 Oct 2025Seymour notes that the regional holiday change could create problems
4. 20 Oct 2025Christchurch school offers uniforms and stationery for meeting attendance targets

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.