Categories: News

New Zealand performing poorly on right to education

The latest data published by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) shows NZ could do better to uphold the right to education.

New Zealand is “bad” at upholding the right to education, according to the latest data published by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI).

The HRMI measures and tracks the economic and social, and civil and political rights of countries around the world. It published the latest statistics for New Zealand last week.  

Read the latest print edition of School News HERE

The right to education is measured against an income adjusted benchmark and the global best. For the income adjusted benchmark, New Zealand’s right to education is measured against countries with similar income level.  

According to the HRMI, “every country can receive 100 percent against this benchmark if they use their available resources effectively.” 

A lower score means improvement using available resources is possible, and necessary.

But for both the income adjusted benchmark and the global best measurement, New Zealand’s performance has been rated “bad” by the HRMI.  

When disaggregated, New Zealanders’ right to secondary education is rated as “fair”, but our right to a quality education in maths and reading is ranked as “very bad”. The right to a quality education in science is also deemed “bad”.  

Females’ right to education is rated slightly higher than males. Indigenous people, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities and people with low social or economic status are more likely to have their right to education violated.  

Children are also among the groups ranked low on their access to education due to factors like child poverty. Image by Charlein Gracia on Unsplash.

Prudence Walker, Disability Rights Commissioner, said disabled children were among the most impacted as they were frequently discouraged from enrolling in local schools and often denied reasonable accommodation. She wants to see the Government co-design support structures with disabled people to better uphold their human rights.  

“Evidence suggests that disabled students who have been genuinely included in education are more likely to contribute in all the ways they want to and be able to live dignified lives.” 

The right to education is defined according to international law, where everyone has the right to a “quality, relevant and culturally appropriate education.”  

Primary, secondary, higher, technical/vocational and fundamental education should be physically accessible and financially affordable.

Naomii Seah

Naomii Seah is a writer and journalist from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been covering education in New Zealand since 2022.

Recent Posts

English curriculum draft out for consultation

The much-delayed English draft curriculum is now out for consultation, generating discussion from teachers.

3 weeks ago

Arts, culture and recreation positive for the wellbeing of rangatahi

Research from AUT demonstrates arts, culture and recreation have positive impacts on all aspects of…

3 weeks ago

School phone ban one year on: our student survey reveals mixed feelings about its success

How effective has the school phone ban been in achieving its aims? Researchers from the…

3 weeks ago

Learning growing and exploring with school camps and excursions

School camps and excursions deliver hands on learning experiences, helping to consolidate classroom learning.

3 weeks ago

Could an AV system improve learning outcomes and student engagement?

Innovations in AV technologies present new opportunities to engage with students. We look at how…

3 weeks ago

What makes a good teacher?

A new report from the University of Auckland’s Our Voices Project asks young people what…

4 weeks ago