Education and the law
General guidance on a range of legal issues for schools.
The materials are not a substitute for specific legal, governance, HR or 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. These basic principles will help you.
Further legal advice
The Ministry of Education contracts the New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA) to provide governance advice and expert HR and industrial relations advisory services.
NZSTA Advisory and support centre
You can also seek legal advice from a law firm approved by your school’s liability insurer.
