Every Day Matters at Mākoura College

• Increase regular attendance (90%+) to at least 25% school-wide
• 20% regular attendance for Māori, Pasifika
• Reduce chronic absence to 45% or below for all
• Every student under 80% attendance has a whānau action plan

At Mākoura College, we know that when students are present, they succeed. Attendance is more than simply turning up; it is the foundation of learning, belonging, and future opportunities. The Ministry of Education reminds us that regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student achievement. Every day missed is a chance lost to grow knowledge, build friendships, and strengthen pathways to the future.

Being at school connects directly with our values: whaia te tika, whaia te pono, whaia te aroha. Turning up each day is an act of doing what is right, being honest with ourselves about our goals, and showing care for our own future and that of our community. For our rangatahi, school is not just preparation for life — it is life in action, where resilience, teamwork, and confidence are built.

From a te ao Māori perspective, learning is a collective journey. Each student who attends uplifts not only their own mana but also the mana of their whānau, hapū, and iwi. Regular attendance strengthens whanaungatanga, ensuring that our young people stay connected, supported, and confident in both their identity and their future.

The Ministry of Education is clear: consistent attendance is essential for success at NCEA and beyond. Employers, universities, and training providers look first for reliability and commitment, qualities that are shaped through daily participation in school. Missing days creates gaps that can quickly build into barriers, affecting both learning and wellbeing.

Whānau play an essential role in this journey. Supporting routines at home, celebrating progress, and communicating with the school when challenges arise are powerful ways to help. When whānau and kura work together, rangatahi see that education is valued, and they are more likely to value it too.

At Mākoura, we believe every student has the right to succeed. Attendance is the key that unlocks this success. Together, whānau, kura, and community, we can ensure our rangatahi are present, engaged, and thriving every day.