Hibiscus Coast families may gain fresh insights from a University of Auckland study examining why some young people struggle to attend school regularly.

The report, led by researchers including Dr. Georgia Rudd, identifies key factors influencing student motivation: reduced stress, positive relationships, and curriculum relevance to future goals.

New Zealand’s school attendance rates have declined more steeply over the past decade compared to Australia and the UK, though absenteeism remains a global issue.

Dr. Rudd, a social and community health research fellow, emphasised the complexity of addressing absenteeism and the importance of incorporating student perspectives.

“Most young people feel positive about school, value learning and recognise its importance,” she said.

The study surveyed approximately 1,000 13-year-olds participating in the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) longitudinal study, which tracks 6,846 children born between 2009 and 2010.

Respondents highlighted the role of family expectations, peer connections, and teacher relationships in their attendance decisions.

One student described the current education system as “outdated, rigid and overly focused on conformity”.

Dr Georgia Rudd, one of the report's authors: "Most young people feel positive about school, value learning and recognise its importance." Photo: William Chea

Dr. Rudd noted that structural changes, such as aligning curricula with career readiness and adjusting daily schedules, could improve engagement.

The findings form part of the broader Our Voices project, aiming to inform policies supporting youth wellbeing through data from the Tō Mātou Rerenga - Our Journey app.

Funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, the initiative involves multidisciplinary experts analysing themes like school environments and social challenges.

Further reports will explore topics including overcoming adversity and navigating adolescence.

The full study, School Attendance, Enablers & Barriers, is available on the Our Voices website.

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