Children are wagging school more and starting from a younger age, a report shows.
The Sunday Star-Times reported details of a report reviewing the District Truancy Service (DTS), which said in the past truancy was more commonly seen in older students from Year 10 and 11 (ages 15 and 16). However, patterns of poor attendance were now forming in Year 9 and 10 students,.
"As a result, students are spending more time out of school over the duration of their schooling."
In 2007 figures for absenteeism were pegged at about 30,000. The newspaper said a stocktake of absentee rates ordered by Education Minister Anne Tolley showed a comparable picture.
Ms Tolley said DTS had been put on notice and its 78 contracts were for 12 months only.
The report criticised the Education Ministry for not actively leading or influencing the DTS.
About a third of schools using the DTS set attendance targets, and nearly half did not regularly report rates to their boards.
Parents or teachers often condoned absences.
"The service, as it is structured, currently has been unable to keep pace with the changing nature and complexity of the problem," the report said.
Ms Tolley said a sector group would steer measures to improve truancy rates.
NZPA