Ākonga Uniform
Paparoa Street School requires our ākonga to wear a kura uniform. This policy and the associated uniform rules are a 
kura bylaw. The poari matua consults with the kura community when updating this policy and making or amending uniform rules.
A kura rule made by the school board is a bylaw. Under the Education and Training Act 2020 (s 126), boards are required to consult with kaimahi, ākonga (as appropriate), and the kura community when making or amending rules/bylaws, if the rule is:
- made by the poari matua, tumuaki, or other kaimahi with delegated authority from the poari matua and
- enforced with full compliance in the kura, with disciplinary and/or negative consequences for breaching this rule.
Kura rules that relate to the legal rights of ākonga also require consultation.
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga: Making and amending school rules (bylaws) 
Our uniform rules outline what ākonga can and cannot wear at kura and while representing the kura. These rules are made clear to ākonga and their parents/caregivers at enrolment. We follow kura processes for managing breaches of uniform rules, which may include contacting parents/caregivers and involving senior kaimahi. If uniform breaches are due to financial hardship, our kura works with parents/caregivers to find a solution.
Ākonga may be reminded about appropriate dress expectations for the kura learning environment before non-uniform days.
Ākonga must behave appropriately while in uniform (e.g. at kura, at events representing the kura, and travelling to and from kura).
The poari matua may review our uniform rules when issues arise, and/or as part of the review of this Ākonga Uniform policy. When reviewing our uniform, we consult with the kura community and consider ākonga wellbeing (including sun protection), affordability, our inclusive education policy, and the New Zealand Human Rights Commission uniform guidelines.
The school uniform guidelines published by the New Zealand Human Rights Commission provide non-binding guidance on school uniform policies from a Tiriti o Waitangi and human rights lens.
The guidelines provide information about how uniform rules and expectations can meet the legislative requirements of the:
- Tiriti o Waitangi (articles 2, 3, and 4, and working in partnership with mana whenua, ākonga Māori, and their whānau, hapū, and iwi)
- Human Rights Act 1993
- New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989
- Education and Training Act 2020 (s.126, 127, and 133).
Upholding Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, preventing discrimination, recognising New Zealand's cultural diversity, and giving effect to the human rights of students are key considerations.
Human Rights Commission | Te Kāhui Tika Tangata: School uniform guidelines 
The tari kura can be contacted for further information.
Related policies
Legislation
- Education and Training Act 2020
- Human Rights Act 1993
- New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989
Resources
: Term 2 2023, Term 4 2022
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