In New Zealand, going to school every day is really important if children are to achieve and succeed. As parents and carers, it's up to you to make sure your child attends school every day, from when they first start school until they are 16. Your child must go to school every day. Under the Education Act 1989, parents and carers of school children up to 16 years old can be prosecuted if their child is away from school without a good reason.