Getting Started with Homeschooling (NZ Edition)

Is Homeschooling Legal in NZ?

Yep! In NZ, you can homeschool your kids legally under an exemption from your local Ministry of Education office. You just have to prove that your child will be “taught at least as regularly and as well as in a registered school.” Sounds scary – but don’t panic. You’ve got this.

Step-by-Step: Getting Registered

1. Download the MOE Exemption Form

Grab it here: education.govt.nz
You’ll need one form per child.

2. Gather the Info You’ll Need

Basic details: name, date of birth, etc.
Your plan for teaching: Write about what subjects you’ll cover, your style of learning, how you’ll track progress, and why you’re choosing to homeschool.
Philosophy or method (optional but helpful): e.g. Charlotte Mason, play-based, eclectic, etc.

3. Write the Learning Plan (This is the biggie!)

You’ll need to show:

You know what your child needs to learn
How you’ll teach each area (Maths, English, Science, Social Studies, Health/PE, Arts, Technology)
Your routine or rhythm (even a flexible one is fine!)
How you’ll record learning (journals, photos, workbooks, etc.)

4. Send it in & wait for approval

Processing can take 4–6 weeks.
You may get a follow-up call if they want to clarify anything.
Once approved, you’ll get your Certificate of Exemption

Do I Need to Follow the School Curriculum?

Nope!
But you do need to show you’re covering the core learning areas in some form.
Homeschool isn’t school at home. Learning happens everywhere – baking = maths + science + reading.

How Do I Show They’re Learning?

In NZ, it’s super flexible. Some ideas:

Photos of life learning and projects
Written work samples pasted into a scrapbook
Online portfolios (like Seesaw or a private Instagram account)
Workbooks if your child enjoys them

What About Money?

You’ll get the Home Education Supervision Allowance once a year:

$743 (Year 1), then around $375 per year after that
Paid per child
Not a wage, just a bit of help for books, resources, etc.

What If My Kids Are Already Enrolled in School and I Want to Homeschool Them?

You can pull them out – but there’s a bit of paperwork and protocol. Let’s unpack both.

Steps to Withdraw from School:

Apply for a Homeschooling Exemption through the Ministry of Education.
- You must have this before officially withdrawing your child.
Keep them enrolled at school until the exemption is approved.
- Legally, they must keep attending until you have your certificate.
Once the exemption is approved, notify the school your child is being withdrawn.

Helpful tip: Be friendly with the school admin. Some are understanding, some… not so much. But you’re within your rights!

Big Questions (That We All Ask)

Do I need a curriculum?
No, but you can use one if it helps you feel confident. Many families mix & match. You do you. Pick what works for your brain and your kid.

Do I have to teach everything schools teach?
You need to cover the same learning areas, but not in the same way or order. Think life-integrated, not classroom copycat.

How do I prove my kid is learning?
Photos, written work, voice recordings, videos, progress notes, scrapbooks, or even a private blog or Instagram just for your moderator.

What about socialisation?
Homeschoolers do heaps – excursions, co-ops, sports, group lessons, bush school, church, family time. Socialising isn’t about being in a classroom, it’s about connection.

Can I work and homeschool?
Yes, but it’s a juggle. Many parents get creative with co-ops, childcare swaps, and flexible work. Learning is flexible in when and where you do it – think afternoons on a Saturday.

What if I mess it up?
You will. It’s inevitable. But that’s also part of the magic. You’re teaching your kids how to be resilient, curious humans who bounce back – and that’s better than any worksheet.

Can I homeschool neurodiverse kids?
Absolutely. In fact, many thrive with the flexibility and pacing homeschool offers. You know your child best so you are already the best teacher for them.

Free Checklist: Homeschooling Setup

Download exemption form
Write learning plan
Decide on curriculum style or approach (or don’t!)
Set up a basic routine or rhythm
Start collecting learning materials
Submit application
Celebrate your approval
Join homeschool groups or networks for support
Keep records of learning (photos, work samples, etc.)

Bonus Tip: Keep It Manageable

You don’t need to replicate school hours.
You don’t need a classroom.
You do need connection, curiosity, and consistency.
The rest can follow.

Want More?

Sign up for more helpful printables, templates, and real-talk encouragement at The Essence of Becoming. Let’s homeschool without the burnout – and with plenty of snack breaks.

With love and wonder,
Britt xx