Education in New Zealand is compulsory for all children before the age of ten, at which point they are expected to find gainful employment in a shearing gang. There are two schools in New Zealand; children from affluent families usually attend the privately funded King’s College in Auckland, while those from lower socio-economic groups attend Waimate Main School.

The competency of all New Zealand students is assessed through a standardised nationwide test, designed to evaluate each student’s literacy, numeracy, ability to think laterally and understanding of their cultural heritage.

2012’s Standardised Year 5 Test; students who achieve more than 50% are awarded their New Zealand School Certificate.

Tertiary:

Tertiary education is pursued by many young New Zealanders wishing to achieve higher qualifications. University study remains popular today, despite growing pressure from government officials and parents to outlaw further education in a desperate attempt to halt the nation’s “brain drain.” A recent survey of Melbourne baristas found that one in five held a doctorate from a New Zealand university, while 100% of those surveyed were earning more than New Zealand’s total workforce combined (excluding surviving members of OMC).