New Zealand school terms and holidays

New Zealand term dates and holidays – 2009

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.

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

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Education