Individual School Uniform Regulations: State Primary Schools

Figure 1.--This is the girls' winter uniform.

Uniforms while very common at New Zealand schools are quite varied. Schools also vary as to how strictly they are enforced. Sample regulations at representative schhols are presented here. Many schools still have very detailed, specific regulations. Others have only general guidelines. The uniform regulations vary widely depending on the type of school and age levels as well as the gender of the student. Most also have different summer and winter uniforms. Most state primary schools do not have uniforms. There are no country-wide regulations on this, but rather is up to the individual schools. The uniforms that have been adopted at primary schools are very simple and serviceable. Uniforms are still relatively rare at primary schools, but several schools have adopted them, mostly urban schools.

Figure 2.--This is the boys' summer uniform.

I am not sure why uniforms are so commonly worn at secondary schools, but so rarely worn at state primary schools. They are worn by primary agechildrennat state area schools, integrated Catholic schools and private schools. It may have been a desire in the 19th century to include all children in primary schools and the uniform cost may have prevented some from attending.

As with uniforms at seconadry schools, there are usually different summer and inter uniforms. There is quite a difference, however, in the climate on the two islands. Winters on North Island, especially the northern area around Auckland are quite mild. The weather on South Island, especially in the south around Invergargill is more severe.

Regulations

One primary school near Auckland during 1999 had a required school uniform. The school adopted the following regulations. The various styles were selected because they were was practical, durable and comfortable to wear whilst being very smart. The uniform can be purchased through the school office or local retailer.

Girls' Uniform

Summer: Girls during the summer wear a light blue and white pinafore or approved dress pattern from school, white blouse, red school sweatshirt, sandals or sensible shoes that match the uniform colour with white socks. The girls are incouraged to wear a sunhat.

Winter: Girls during the winter wear a dark blue and red check pinafore or navy trackpants, white blouse or skivvy, red school sweatshirt, white socks, shoes that match the uniform colour.

Figure 3.--This is the boys' winter uniform.

Boys' Uniform

Summer: Boys wear sky blue polo shirt with matching collar, red school sweatshirt, navy shorts, sandals or sensible shoes that match the uniform colour with white or pale blue ankle socks. [Note: Theys are allowed to wear sneakers which are very popular, but boys in secondary dchools are discouraged from wearing therm. The boys are also incouraged to wear a sunhat.

Figure 4.--This is the girls' summer uniform.

Winter: Sky blue polo shirt or blue skivvy, red school sweatshirt, navy track pants, white or pale blue socks, sensible shoes that match the uniform colour. [Note: The winter uniform reflects the trend at some secondary schools to have long pants uniforms in the winter. A few secondary schools have also adopted casual track suits, but it is not yet very common.]

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