New Zealand education

New Zealand's education system is designed to be inclusive and equitable, offering free primary and secondary education for children aged 5 to 19. It features a national curriculum with a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. Students typically attend school from ages 5 to 16, with options for further study in colleges. Higher education institutions, including universities and polytechnics, provide a range of vocational and academic programs. The system values cultural diversity and aims to support all learners, including Māori students, through initiatives like Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, which incorporates Māori perspectives.