The Ministry of Education has officially released the New Zealand school term dates for 2025, giving parents, students, and teachers a clear guide for the academic year ahead. These dates are crucial for planning family holidays, exam preparation, and extracurricular activities. The 2025 calendar follows the traditional four-term system but includes minor adjustments to align with national events and ensure balanced breaks across the year.
Why School Term Dates Are Important
The school term calendar is more than just classroom schedules. It shapes how families organize vacations, how teachers plan lessons, and how schools manage exams, sports, and cultural programs. Having confirmed NZ school term dates for 2025 provides certainty for parents booking holidays, arranging childcare, or supporting children with study timetables.
For students, clear term structures also create consistency, allowing them to pace their studies and prepare for assessments with minimal disruption.
Official School Term Dates for 2025
The Ministry of Education has confirmed the following school terms for 2025:
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Term 1: Monday 3 February – Friday 11 April
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Term 2: Monday 28 April – Friday 4 July
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Term 3: Monday 21 July – Friday 26 September
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Term 4: Monday 13 October – Wednesday 17 December
This schedule ensures that the academic year starts in early February and ends just before Christmas, with balanced breaks in between.
Public Holidays Affecting the School Year
Several national public holidays fall within the 2025 school terms, and schools will be closed on these days:
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Waitangi Day: Thursday 6 February
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Good Friday: 18 April (during Term 1 holidays)
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Anzac Day: Friday 25 April (before Term 2 begins)
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Queen’s Birthday: Monday 2 June
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Labour Day: Monday 27 October
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Christmas Day and Boxing Day: During summer break
Parents should be mindful of these dates when planning childcare or family activities.
School Holidays in 2025
School holidays are spread evenly across the year to give students rest and reset periods. The holiday breaks in 2025 are:
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Summer Holiday (end of 2024 – 2025): Ends Sunday 2 February
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Autumn Holiday: Saturday 12 April – Sunday 27 April
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Winter Holiday: Saturday 5 July – Sunday 20 July
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Spring Holiday: Saturday 27 September – Sunday 12 October
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Summer Holiday (end of 2025): Begins Thursday 18 December
These holidays provide families with opportunities to travel, engage in community activities, and prepare for the next term.
Impact on Students and Parents
The confirmed calendar means families can plan ahead with confidence. Parents often book international travel during longer breaks, while domestic tourism also benefits from predictable holiday periods.
For students, particularly those in senior secondary school, the calendar is vital for planning around NCEA assessments. Teachers will align coursework, mock exams, and study support with these term dates to ensure students are fully prepared.
Why These Dates Matter for Schools
For schools, the 2025 calendar ensures smoother scheduling of key activities such as exams, sports tournaments, and cultural events. The balance between terms also minimizes burnout for both students and staff, creating healthier learning environments.
In addition, synchronized term dates across the country allow education authorities to coordinate teacher training and curriculum rollouts consistently.
Key Takeaways
The NZ School Term Dates 2025 run from 3 February to 17 December, divided into four terms with balanced holiday breaks. Public holidays like Waitangi Day, Queen’s Birthday, and Labour Day fall within the school year, while summer holidays begin in mid-December.
For parents, teachers, and students, these confirmed dates provide the structure needed to plan for academic success and family time in 2025.
FAQs
When does the 2025 school year start in New Zealand?
The first term begins on Monday 3 February 2025.
When does the school year end in 2025?
The final day of Term 4 is Wednesday 17 December 2025.
How many school terms are there in 2025?
There are four terms: February–April, April–July, July–September, and October–December.
What are the main school holidays in 2025?
Autumn (April), Winter (July), Spring (September–October), and Summer (December–February).
Do school dates vary across New Zealand?
Most state and state-integrated schools follow the national calendar, but some private schools may set slightly different term dates.
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