Homeschooling in New Zealand
Homeschooling legalized via exemption: flexible education approved in ~6 weeks.
Home education is legal in New Zealand for children aged 6 to 16 upon obtaining a Certificate of Exemption from the Ministry of Education under Section 38 of the Education and Training Act 2020. Parents must satisfy the Ministry that the child will be taught at least as regularly and well as in a registered school. No specific curriculum, testing, or parent qualifications are mandated, but applications require details on educational plans.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
every-six-months
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Apply to regional Ministry of Education office for each child individually; application is free.
- Certificate of Exemption required for children aged 6-16; no exemption needed post-16.
- Education plan must demonstrate teaching will match registered school standards in regularity and quality.
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks; child must remain enrolled in school during application period.
- Exemption valid until age 16 or school enrollment (whichever occurs first).
- Statutory declaration required every six months after exemption is granted.
- Home education supervision allowance available from Ministry of Education.
- Denials can be appealed in writing to regional office; unsuccessful appeals may be resubmitted as new applications.
Legal Framework
New Zealand's Education and Training Act 2020 (Act No. 38 of 2020), administered by the Ministry of Education, governs home education. Section 38 of the Act provides for long-term exemptions from enrolment: a parent may apply to the Ministry's designated officer for a certificate that the child can be exempted from enrolment requirements where the officer is satisfied the child will be taught 'at least as regularly and well as in a registered school'. Application uses the Home Education Application form prescribed by the Ministry. Approved families receive a Home Education Supervision Allowance paid twice yearly (around June and November). The Home Education Policies and Procedures Manual sets out operational requirements. Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is the State's official correspondence/distance learning school — a separate enrolment pathway, not strictly homeschooling, though it can be used in conjunction with home education. Responsible authority: Ministry of Education (Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga).
Filing Requirements
What to file
Statutory Declaration
When
Every 6 months after exemption granted
Where
Regional Ministry of Education office
How to submit
Mail or email
What to include
- • Confirmation that child is being taught as per approved plan
Declares ongoing compliance with exemption conditions
How to Get Started
- 1
Gather child's birth certificate and guardian documents
- 2
Develop education plan with curriculum, timetable, teaching space details
- 3
Complete and submit application form to regional Ministry office
- 4
Keep child enrolled in school until exemption granted (4-6 weeks)
- 5
Submit statutory declarations every 6 months post-approval
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Flexible, low regulation
- ✓Financial allowance
- ✓Legal post-16 without exemption
Cons
- •Application process time
- •Ongoing declarations
- •Regional variations possible
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Last updated: 2026-04-27 · NZ homeschool law guide