New Zealand attracts students from across the world for its educational methods and standards, although New Zealanders themselves are often very unhappy with the educational services. The Ministry of Education is ultimately responsible for education in the country, but has come under controversy following teacher strikes, a new NCEA assessment scheme and school closures.

The Ministry preaches terms like ‘Empowering Education,’ ‘Raise achievement’ and ‘Reduce disparity,’ but many feel unhappy with the service. NCEA is an assessment structure that many feel inadequate and unspecific, becoming the theme of many investigative reports on television, radio, newspaper and magazines. Education has become something of an election issue following its introduction.

New Zealand provides free, compulsory school education in a secular environment to all children and teenagers of 5-16 years of age and free school education from 16-18.

New Zealand primary and intermediate schools operate under strict controls from the Ministry of Education. They receive Ministry funding and can also make money through donations and fundraising activities. They must be open for 394 half-days unless granted permission because of emergency.

Primary school students are aged between 5 and 11 and Intermediate school students are aged between 12 and 13.