Learning support at primary and secondary school
Learning support is available for students at schools and kura throughout New Zealand.
Children with learning support needs have a right to attend their local school. Most children who need learning support will be in regular classes and the school will provide extra help.
Schools are funded to provide learning support
All schools and kura get government funding to support students who have learning or behaviour difficulties or need extra support.
Schools also can apply for funding for property modifications so that a student can take part in normal school activities.
Each school can decide how they use the funding. For example, they may use it to employ teacher’s aides or specialist teachers. Schools and kura can also use this funding to support children who are not receiving any other funding.
Te Mahau
Te Mahau is part of the Ministry of Education in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was set up in 2021 to help make sure schools, kura, and early learning services get the support they need—right when and where they need it.
The name Te Mahau means "the front porch of the whare (house)." It’s all about being open, welcoming, and close to the people they serve.
Te Mahau works to support tamariki (children), teachers, schools, and communities in a more local and personal way. It has a few main teams:
Regional Offices – These are based across three areas: North (Te Tai Raro), Central (Te Tai Whenua), and South (Te Tai Runga). They’re on the ground, working directly with schools and early learning centres to help them thrive.
Te Poutāhū | The Curriculum Centre – This team looks after the New Zealand curriculum. They design and develop learning resources to support teachers, students, and whānau.
Te Pae Aronui | Operations and Integration – This group makes sure everything runs smoothly across the system. They connect the dots so services and support are easy to access and work well together.
The people who work at Te Mahau—called kaimahi—are passionate about helping schools and learning communities succeed. They work closely with educators and families to make sure every learner gets the best chance to succeed.
Check out these website pages for more information about the types of support available for school age children.
Primary school learning support information on Ministry of Education website
Secondary school learning support information on Ministry of Education website
Distance students' learning support information on Te Kura’s website
Applying for extra support
If your child needs extra support, your school or kura can help you apply for a specialist assessment or extra support. Or you can contact your local Ministry of Education office yourself.
How to apply for learning support services