From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m
Government's attendance goal doable by 2030
New Zealand's education ministry says school attendance target likely met by 2030 but literacy and numeracy goals remain at risk.
In brief
New Zealand's education ministry says school attendance target likely met by 2030 but literacy and numeracy goals remain at risk. New Zealand's education ministry expects to meet school attendance targets by 2030 but literacy and numeracy levels for Year 8 students are below expected standards. Originally reported by…
Attendance target likely met
The Education Ministry says the government will probably achieve its school attendance target by 2030.
Literacy and numeracy at risk
The ministry's 2026 annual report states literacy and numeracy targets are at risk for Year 8 students.
Current attendance levels
As of 30 June 2026, 64.3 percent of students attended school for more than 90 percent of Term Two.
Literacy and numeracy gaps
45 percent of Year 8 students met reading levels, 28 percent writing, and 24 percent maths as of 30 June 2026.
Māori education focus
The ministry prioritises strengthening education for Māori learners, who make up 25 percent of the student population.
The takeaway
New Zealand's education ministry expects to meet school attendance targets by 2030 but literacy and numeracy levels for Year 8 students are below expected standards.