In response to persistently low school attendance rates, the New Zealand Government has unveiled a $140 million Kiwi infrastructure project aimed at transforming how schools and communities address student absenteeism.
Budget 2025 allocates around $123 million to establish a national attendance service and nearly $17 million to enhance frontline providers—efforts designed to double student reach across the country.
“Frontline attendance services will be more accountable, better at effectively managing cases, and data driven in their responses,”
said Hon David Seymour, Associate Education Minister.
The ERO Report
According to the 2024 Education Review Office (ERO) report, attendance systems have failed to consistently improve outcomes due to fragmented funding and resource constraints.
In 2023, one in three students were chronically absent, a statistic that triggered the overhaul now underway.
What the New Attendance Model Will Deliver
The reformed service model addresses three of the four ERO recommendations, focusing on efficiency, retention, and targeted support:
Improved Service Delivery
-
Centralized case management tools for consistent monitoring.
-
Contracts tied to performance and data benchmarks.
-
Integrated services with local agencies and iwi for holistic support.
Stronger School Integration
-
Schools in the highest Equity Index brackets can apply for on-site attendance specialists.
-
Services will range from advisory support to full case management depending on the need.
Action Plan Timeline
| Initiative Component | Timeline | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| National Attendance Service Launch | Late 2025–Early 2026 | $123 million |
| Strengthening Frontline Services | From 2025 onwards | $16.8 million |
| STAR Attendance Plan in Schools | By Term 1, 2026 | Included in total |
A Focus on Equity and Community Engagement
Seymour underscored that schools with high rates of absenteeism—often in disadvantaged areas—will receive tailored support. The initiative includes:
-
Funding access for schools in high Equity Index zones.
-
Collaboration with families and iwi to re-engage students early.
-
A graduated approach from early support to intensive intervention.
“Service providers will work with families, local communities and social agencies… from advice to intensive case management,”
Seymour said.
What’s Next for Aotearoa’s Classrooms?
This infrastructure investment marks a shift from fragmented efforts to a unified, scalable model for school attendance.
As the Ministry of Education collaborates with providers to ensure a smooth transition, schools are expected to implement STAR-aligned attendance plans by 2026.
For educators and communities, the message is clear: regular school attendance is essential to breaking cycles of socio-economic disadvantage.
With the groundwork being laid now, the coming years will reveal whether this initiative can bridge gaps in opportunity and deliver on its promise.
Sources: New Zealand Government.
