Education and the law
The Education and the Law section has been updated. The materials in this section contain general guidance on legal issues for schools.
The materials are not a substitute for specific legal, governance or personnel/industrial relations advice.
Click on the headings below to view common legal questions, answers and topics in each area.
Basic principles of law for school leaders
School leaders have many responsibilities to groups and individuals within the school community. You don’t need to be a lawyer to be a school leader, but you do need to understand how natural justice, judge-made law and legislation affect your role. Some basic principles are set out here.
Further legal advice
The Ministry of Education contracts the New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA) to provide governance advice and an expert personnel/industrial relations advisory service.
If you have specific questions relating to industrial matters contact your regional NZSTA personnel/industrial relations adviser.
• For questions relating to governance matters contact the NZSTA Helpdesk.
• You can also seek legal advice from a law firm approved by your school’s liability insurer.
• More advice regarding support for boards can be found on the Ministry of Education website.
