The New Zealand education system is founded on the principle that a fair society necessitates universal access to a top-notch education system financed by taxpayers.

New Zealand is renowned for its early childhood education opportunities. Students worldwide flock to New Zealand to pursue courses in early childhood education, including Play centres (from birth to school age), Kindergartens (ages 3-5), Kōhanga Reo (Maori language immersion schools), privately owned licensed Early Childhood Centres (ages 0-5), typically privately owned, and state-funded Chartered Early Childhood Centres (ages 0-5). The country provides free education for all New Zealand children aged 5 to 19, with compulsory schooling from ages 6 to 16.