Regular school attendance has hit record levels, with Term 2 showing 58.4% of students attending regularly.

That’s up 5 percentage points on the same time last year and 11.4 points on Term 2 in 2023.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says it’s the first time any term has beaten pre covid levels.

Every region saw gains, with the biggest lift in Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatū, up 7.2 points year on year.

Chronic absence has also eased, falling to 9.3% compared with 9.6% last year and 12.5% in 2023.

For Hibiscus Coast schools, higher attendance means steadier progress in the classroom and less disruption for families.

Fewer gaps in learning also ease pressure on teachers, which could make a real difference as students head into exams and end-of-year milestones.

The Government’s attendance action plan is rolling out in stages.

By Term 1, 2026 all schools must have an attendance plan aligned with the Stepped Attendance Response.

Prosecution will be considered only in serious cases where parents refuse to engage after supports are offered.

Next year, frontline services will have tighter contracts, better monitoring tools, and a new case management system.

Budget 2025 also set aside $140m over four years to boost attendance.

Seymour says keeping kids in class is the first step to positive outcomes like higher incomes, stable jobs and stronger communities.

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