Schools can ask for, but not insist on, payment of fees for activities that fall outside the curriculum or have a "take home component", at the beginning of the year. Schools can not make payment in advance a condition of enrolment and must ensure that learning is not impacted through non-payment for any reason, as Section 3 of the Education Act guarantees free enrolment.
The Ministry suggests that;
schools provide a "pay as you go" option so that parents do not pay in advance for things such as class trips that a sick child may not ultimately attend.
schools itemize their fees so that parents can choose which activities they want their children to participate in.
schools inform parents at the beginning of the year of the materials charge for subjects such as clothing and woodwork.
Notably the Ministry of Education (1998-25) advises that it is inappropriate for activity fees to cover student workbooks (textbooks that students write in) and photocopying. Activity fees are a 'goods and service' so attract GST. The operation of activity fees is described in cases below.
School camps
If an Outdoor Education Camp is part of the curriculum of a particular course at school, then the school may not charge for it. However they can charge for food and transport to the camp.
If parents are unable or unwilling to pay for a school camp that is not part of the curriculum, or for food and transport to one that is, then the school should provide activities that will be an "appropriate alternative" for the children who do not go to the camp.
School projects
Schools may charge for materials in classes such as woodwork and design when the student is able to take the finished project home. But the school should not force students to take the project home just so they can be charged for it. If a high cost project is being planned a lower cost alternative should also be provided.
Photocopying
Schools cannot charge for photocopying except in exceptional cases. In most cases the teacher handing out photocopied materials is an integral part of the delivery of the Curriculum. Schools cannot charge for textbooks or workbooks unless the student is allowed to keep the book.
Programmes in English for speakers of other languages
If the school is being funded by the Ministry or some other institution to provide these programmes then it cannot charge students to attend. A school may charge for unfunded programmes but it cannot compel parents to enrol their students in them.
Special Education Programmes
Special Education Programmes are usually funded through the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme, Specialist Education Services, or the Special Education Grant so schools can not charge for these programmes.
STAR Courses
Schools are funded by the Ministry to provide these courses. Unless there is a "take home component" of the course, students cannot be charged for STAR courses.
Reading Recovery Programme
The Reading Recovery Programme is part of the curriculum and there can be no charge for it.
NCEA fees
Secondary schools collect fees on behalf of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for the cost of administering the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), the main secondary school qualification in New Zealand. The fee is $76.70 per year, although it can be reduced to $20 for those with a Community Services Card (this includes all beneficiaries) or have three or more children completing NCEA, and must be paid by 1 September, otherwise the fee increases to $126.70, with no financial assistance possible, and must be paid to NZQA directly.
Because NCEA is part of the Year 11 to 13 curriculum, it is free for students to study for and sit the exams. However, any qualification gained will not be awarded until the fees are paid.