New Zealand school terms and holidays

The New Zealand school year starts at the end of January or early February and ends in December.

The year consists of four terms with a break between each and a longer break at Christmas (summer).

The table below shows the school term dates in New Zealand for 2009:

2009 - primary and intermediate schools
Term 1 Between Tuesday 27 January (at the earliest) and Thursday 5 February (at the latest). To Thursday 9 April (90 - 104 half-days)
Term 2 Monday 27 April To Friday 3 July (98 half-days)
Term 3 Monday 20 July To Friday 25 September (100 half-days)
Term 4 Monday 12 October To No later than Friday 18 December (98 half-days) *
*Or to a day in December that ensures the school has been open for instruction for 386 half-days in 2009.
 
2009 - secondary and composite schools
Term 1 Between Tuesday 27 January (at the earliest) and Thursday 5 February (at the latest). To Thursday 9 April (90 – 104 half-days)
Term 2 Monday 27 April To Friday 3 July (98 half-days)
Term 3 Monday 20 July To Friday 25 September (100 half-days)
Term 4 Monday 12 October To Wednesday 15 December (92 half days)*
*Or to a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 380 half-days in 2009.

New Zealand school holidays 2009

Schools must be closed in 2009 on Saturdays and Sundays and on the following holidays:

  1. New Years Day – 1 January
  2. Day after New Years Day – 2 January
  3. Waitangi Day – 6 February
  4. Good Friday – 10 April
  5. Easter Monday – 13 April
  6. Day after Easter Monday – 14 April
  7. Anzac Day – 25 April
  8. Queen's Birthday – 1 June
  9. Labour Day – 26 October
  10. Christmas Day – 25 December
  11. Boxing Day – 26 December
  12. Relevant Anniversary Day Holiday

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Education