Manurewa High School to close early due to staffing shortage

The school will release its nearly 2300 students early on Friday after 29 staff were absent, well above normal levels.

Reviewed by Rakai 25 June 2026

Manurewa High School will close early on Friday due to insufficient teaching staff available.

The school's senior leadership team said 29 staff were absent on Thursday, requiring reliever coverage. The school normally covers 10-15 staff absences per day, but has been covering 20-25 daily absences over the last couple of weeks.

Students will be released between 1.50pm and 2pm on Friday. Children who cannot leave due to age or transport issues can remain at school.

The school previously closed early on one day in June 2025 for similar reasons. The Ministry of Education forecast in March a shortfall of 710 secondary teachers in 2026 and 510 in 2027.