Yes. If you are a New Zealand citizen or resident and between 5 and 19 years old, you have the right to a free education at a state school (a school that is fully funded by the government) of your choice until the 1st of January after the year in which you turn 19.

You also have the right to enrol in an integrated school (a school that used to be private but has agreed to be funded by the government and abide by the Education Act 1989 and other laws applying to state schools, e.g. most Catholic schools, Rudolph Steiner schools etc). But those students whose parents have a particular philosophy or religious connection with the integrated school have preference when it comes to enrolment. To be given priority for enrolment in a Catholic school, ask your local parish priest for a preference card. Integrated schools can take up to 5% non-preference students. This means that although you may not be a member of the church the school is affiliated to, you may be enrolled at the school. Contact the school for information on this.

Private schools can refuse to enrol you, as long as they don’t discriminate against you (treat you unfairly) because of any of the prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993. This includes disability, race, sex, political opinions and family status.