School fees

State schools
The Education Act says that every child between the ages of five and 19 years, who is not a foreign student, "is entitled to free enrolment and free education at any state school".

State schools cannot charge fees for teaching the curriculum - this includes subjects such as computer studies, art, clothing and woodwork courses. But a recent Massey University study found one in five schools charged for core subjects.

Schools can charge for any "take home" component of a course, such as artworks, craft and so on.

They can also charge "activity fees" for extra-curricular activities. This includes most sports activity. They can't enforce payment, but can exclude those who don't pay.

Schools can ask for donations to cover general costs, but Ministry of Education guidelines state they should make it clear to parents the donation is voluntary, and the word "fee" should not be used.

Some schools have run into controversy through their zealous collection of "donations". One Auckland college threatened to ban from the school ball all students whose parents had not paid. It was effective - the school netted some $17,000 in five days.

The Massey University research found only 29 percent of schools actually told parents the payments were voluntary. Most used wording that implied they were mandatory.

Integrated schools

An integrated school is either a former private school that has joined the state system, or one that has been integrated since creation. They are allowed to retain their special feature or character, which is usually religious or cultural.

Integrated schools can charge attendance dues, but the money raised in this way can be used only for improvement of school buildings and facilities. If your child is enrolled at such a school, you are contractually obliged to pay these dues.

Our advice

• If you're concerned at the legality of a charge levied by the school, first make sure you know exactly what it's for. Is the activity outside the syllabus? Will it be outside normal school hours? Will the school face additional costs for providing the activity? If the answer to some or all of these questions is yes, the activity is probably optional and the school probably has the right to charge those who participate.
• If you can't pay a donation or any other kind of charge, talk to the school - they may be able to assist.