Childcare
A useful guide to raising children in New Zealand, including information on pregnancy, babies, toddlers and parenting advice is www.kiwifamilies.co.nz.
Some early childhood education and childcare services in New Zealand are free, while others charge depending on the service you need.
There are 3 main types of early childhood education:
Kindergartens
Childcare centres
Playcentres
Kindergartens
Kindergartens (kindies) are chartered and licensed. They employ qualified and registered teachers and most have morning and afternoon sessions. To find a kindergarten, go to www.nzkindergarten.org.nz.
Childcare centres
Childcare centres are operated by at least one qualified and registered teacher. They offer a variety of services.
To find a childcare centre look in the Yellow Pages under childcare and education.
Playcentres
Playcentres are run by parents. To find a playcentre near you go to www.playcentre.org.nz.
Schools
Most children start school when they are five years old, after they have had their fifth birthday. The school year is from late January to mid-December. It is divided into four terms, with holidays between terms. There are public, private and integrated schools available. Most children go to the school nearest their house. If you want your child to go to a school outside your immediate area (zone) you will need to apply to that school.
For information about schools, use Te Kete Ipurangi’s School Finder service.
If you have a choice of schools you may want to talk to the principal or check the government report on a school. These are called ERO reports.
| 5 years | Year 1 | Primary school | Full primary school |
| | Year 2 |
| | Year 3 |
| | Year 4 |
| | Year 5 |
| | Year 6 |
| 11 years | Year 7 | Intermediate school |
| | Year 8 |
| 13 years | Year 9 | Secondary school |
| | Year 10 |
| | Year 11 |
| | Year 12 |
| | Year 13 |
Check out ‘Frequently asked questions’ (FAQs) on the Ministry of Education website.
In Canterbury, the three main providers of education after secondary school are:
Financial assistance
Depending on your personal circumstances you may be entitled to financial assistance from the government to support you through your studies. Visit
Studylink to find out if you qualify and how to apply.
