Boards of schools and kura

This page links to information and resources regarding school board constitutions, responsibilities, elections, governing legislation and more.

Level of compliance Main audience Other

Inform

  • School Boards
  • Principals and Tumuaki
  • Proprietors
  • Teachers and Kaiako
  • Parents, Caregivers and Whānau

Further reading on these topics is essential as it regards information and mandatory action for board members. 

Overview

Every state and state-integrated school or kura in New Zealand has a board. The board's core role is to govern its school(s) or kura.

Note: The Education and Training Act 2020 has made some changes to strengthen school governance and focus on what matters most for learners and their whānau.

Governance of a school/kura includes things such as:

  • setting the strategic direction and targets for the school/kura
  • planning towards and reporting on achieving those targets
  • curriculum management
  • financial and property management
  • policies and procedures
  • health and safety
  • employment of staff at the school or kura.

Boards have specific responsibilities under the Education and Training Act 2020, as well as other Acts and legislation.

What boards do

Roles and responsibilities
Relevant legislation
Consulting on school rules

How boards work

Board structures
Boards of schools other than state schools

Support for boards

New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA)
Interventions at schools and kura

Board elections

Triennial, Mid-term and By-elections
Election planning
Election extensions
Election validations and invalidations
Board elections funding

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