School hostels play an important role in supporting students and their whānau | families. The regulations for school hostels have not been significantly updated since 2005. They no longer reflect modern child-centered safeguarding standards.
The Government has decided to update the regulations to make sure they:
- are fit for purpose
- meet modern expectations for boarders' safety and wellbeing, and
- reflect the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care findings and recommendations.
The Regulations and Amendment Regulations are on the New Zealand Legislation website.
Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005 – NZ Legislation
Education (Hostels) Amendment Regulations 2026 – New Zealand Legislation
The Amendment Regulations have also been notified in the New Zealand Gazette.
Notice Under the Legislation Act 2019 – New Zealand Gazette
Response to the Royal Commission#
These changes are part of the Government's response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. The Royal Commission found that abuse and neglect were common in care settings, including hostels. It recommended stronger protections for people in care.
These changes make the regulations for school hostels stronger. They help to make sure boarders are safer and are better protected from harm.
What the key changes are#
This work is the first phase of a work programme that updates and strengthens the regulations for school hostels.
Phase 1 focuses on improving child safety. It addresses gaps identified by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and makes regulatory requirements stronger to better protect boarders living in school hostels.
The changes fall into 4 main categories. These are:
- stronger, clearer requirements for hostels to make sure boarders are safe
- stronger complaints processes to empower boarders and parents
- new regulatory powers and requirements to monitor compliance
- support the transfer of functions from the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office.
Phase 2 will look at wider boarder wellbeing and pastoral care needs. It aims to make sure the regulations support the different wellbeing needs of all boarders.
Information documents#
More information about the proposed changes and supporting policy documents are below.
The Education Review Office (ERO) website has more information about hostel licensing.
