Most New Zealand students were able to continue to study from 2020 and 2021.
During lockdowns students were able to study at home. Outside of lockdowns, students attended their school or tertiary provider.
Qualifications completed in 2020 and 2021 are recognised the same as qualifications completed in any other year.
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The impact of COVID-19 in New Zealand in 2020
New Zealand education was able to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We entered into a nationwide 6-week lockdown in late March 2020. During the lockdown, schools and tertiary providers were closed, but most students continued learning at home.
Education providers' actions in 2020
Education providers changed their programmes to adapt to the pandemic. Most continued to deliver courses online, or by mailing out course materials.
Some providers changed their holiday dates to reduce the impact of lockdowns on class time.
After the 2020 lockdown, most students studied in person, under normal conditions.
Changes to NCEA in 2020
Temporary changes were made to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and awards and NCEA exams were delayed by 10 days.
The changes were to make sure all students had a fair chance to achieve qualifications and awards, despite the pandemic.
The impact of COVID-19 In New Zealand in 2021
New Zealand students were attending school and tertiary providers as normal until the Delta variant of COVID-19 came to NZ in August.
We went into a 3-week lockdown in August 2021. Northland, Auckland and parts of the Waikato stayed in the lockdown for longer.
During the lockdown, schools and tertiary providers closed but most students continued to learn from home.
Education providers' actions in 2021
Education providers changed their programmes and most continued to deliver courses online, or by mailing out course materials.
Some providers changed their holiday dates to reduce the impact of the lockdowns on class time.
After the 2021 lockdown, many tertiary students continued to learn from home. Secondary students studied in person, and completed exams under normal conditions.
Changes to NCEA in 2021
Temporary changes were made to National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)and awards and NCEA examinations were delayed by 7 days.
The changes were to make sure all students had a fair chance to achieve qualifications and awards, despite the pandemic.
The impact of COVID-19 in New Zealand in 2022
Most New Zealand students were able to attend school and tertiary providers as normal in 2022. The Omicron strain of COVID-19 arrived in 2022. Schools and providers could make their own decision to close or stay open.
Education providers' actions in 2022
Education providers continued to offer remote learning options for students.
Changes to NCEA in 2022
Temporary changes were made to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Students were entitled to receive 1 learning recognition credit (LRC) for every 5 credits earned through assessment.
The changes were to make sure all students had a fair chance to achieve qualifications and awards, despite the pandemic.