Schools should not profit from uniforms: ministry

• Published date: 26 January 2023

Ministry hautu (leader) operations and integration Sean Teddy said the ministry understood that for some families, meeting back-to-school costs could be a struggle

‘‘It’s important there are no barriers to accessing education.

‘‘The Government’s focus has been on reducing costs for parents, which has included the implementation of the school donations policy, Ka Ora, Ka Ako, healthy school lunches programme and period products in schools.’’

For example, the total investment in these initiatives for the 2022 school year was around $336million, he said.

‘‘We know many schools are conscious of the costs and actively seek ways to minimise these costs, including school uniforms.

‘‘It is our expectation that schools should not make significant profits from the sale of school uniforms.’’

The Commerce Commission provided guidance to schools on the provision of school uniforms and supplies.

School boards of trustees could make school rules on a wide range of matters, including uniforms.

‘‘This means there is a variety of approaches to school uniforms and dress codes.’’

School boards decided on uniform requirements, including whether a uniform was required, the type of school uniform, where uniforms were sold and the price of uniforms, Mr Teddy said.

‘‘Schools should...