February Monthly Updates
Welcome to our monthly updates.
All monthly updates will come from the email address monthlyupdates@nchenz.org.nz it is a good idea to register the address @nchenz.org.nz as a safe sender as all contact from us comes from a variation of this address.
Visit the private members-only area of our website
BOOKMARK THIS LINK!
You can only access this section of the website through this members only link,
so it is best to bookmark it for future access.
NCHENZ Programs and Discounts
You may have noticed that we have had a name change here - to NCHENZ Programs & Discounts. This is to better reflect the role, to save confusion between us and Memberships, and is a great way to start the new year!
This change comes with a new, general email address - programs@nchenz.org.nz (instead of the old offers@nchenz....), however all the relevant program email addresses remain the same.
ENROLLING NOW
BANQER PRIMARY - Starts 21st Jan. Financial Literacy for Years 1-8. Approx ages 5-11. This year parents of Year 7 and Year 8 students have the option between Banqer Primary and Banqer High. Please click HERE for more information.
STEPSWEB - Starts 31st Jan. A popular online Literacy program, building core skills for Reading and Spelling. Suitable for struggling learners. Please click HERE for more information.
MATHLETICS - Starts 15th Feb. This program is for students in Years 1-13, and is aligned with the NZ Curriculum. Mathletics provides the perfect level of support and challenge to make sure each student achieves their best. Please click HERE for more information.
READING EGGS - Starts 22nd Feb. Reading Eggs makes the learning to read journey fun, interactive, and highly rewarding for students, in a comprehensive learning to read program. Please click HERE for more information.
MATHSEEDS - Starts 24th Feb. Mathseeds is one of the sister programs to Reading Eggs, designed for younger students ages 3-10. The program teaches foundational maths and problem‐solving skills while nurturing an early love of maths. Please click HERE for more information.
WRITING LEGENDS - Starts 26th Feb. Writing Legends is one of the sister programs to Reading Eggs, designed for students in Years 1-6, approximately 6-11 years old. Writing Legends is an online writing program designed to transform the way students learn and practise writing skills. This is a school only program. Please click HERE for more information.
OPEN FOR ENROLMENT
CODE AVENGERS - Open for enrolment all year now! A world-leading learning coding platform for students aged 5yrs+. teaching students how to code, logically sequence events, create playable games, and model real situations. Please click HERE for more information.
MUSIC ECADEMY - Open for enrolment. This is a great time of year to take up a subscription for Music Ecademy, which teaches music theory and aural training in a fun and engaging way for all future, amazing musicians! Please click HERE for more information.
SKOOLBO - Open for enrolment. This program is for students aged 1-10 years old approx. This subscription included full access to the Skoolbo online curriculum. Please click HERE for more information.
When programmes are due for renewal Gin will email you from that programmes email address while all the emails are different they all end with @nchenz.org.nz so it is best to save this as a safe sender to ensure your emails don't get sent to spam.
If you've made a payment for a Member Offers program and not heard anything within a couple of weeks, please check your junk folder, or email the relevant program email address. Remember to save the individual program email addresses to your safe sender list too.
Home Education Survey
This survey of home educators gives us a chance to gather statistical data about home educators in New Zealand that is not collected elsewhere. We also take this opportunity to focus on a different speciality area each year which helps us gather data about what home educators want and need to help us form our direction. This year's focus is sports and physical activity which will support NCHENZ, HESSA and Sport New Zealand. If you are not a sport family please still complete the survey you can skip the sport section and still fill out the rest.
This is the link - https://forms.gle/RANJafnGfWc7vCnh9 - Please copy and share it with every homeschooler you know and all the groups your in, we can only spread the word so far, we need your help to reach every homeschooler.
NCHENZ Website Highlight
Highschool & Beyond / University Entrance
We have two sections of our website dedicated to the older homeschooled children.
The first is Highschool & Beyond which focuses on resources for teens, career support, driver licences, adventurer activities, study tips, and many other resource ideas that could be helpful for this age group, or those thinking ahead for soon to be teens.
The second is Achieving University Entrance which focuses on shearing information for seven different entrance pathways, NCEA, Cambridge Exams, International Baccalaureate, SAT/GED, Christian Education NZ, Discretionary Entrance, and Bridging/Foundation Courses.
Members Favourite Resource
Each month we will feature a member's favourite resource. This is a way for members to share with their community, not an endorsement, NCHENZ recommends you do your own due diligence before purchasing any resource, to ensure it meets your needs.
This month we feature Progressive Phonics link here a website with printable books, worksheets and use instructions.
“Progressive Phonics is an all-in-one reading program that is easy, fun, and totally FREE---that's right, totally and completely free!
And with Progressive Phonics, ANYONE can teach a child to read and write in just a few minutes a day, which makes it ideal for parents, teachers, tutors, volunteers and home-schoolers.
No experience necessary. Just pick a book and start reading it with your child/students.
Matching handwriting worksheets and activity sheets for each book -- when children write what they learn, they learn it better.
Also teaches the essential sight-words (and phonics rule-breakers) that most phonics programs fail to teach.
Instant access -- download and use today.
Our books can be read on-screen or printed on your color printer. Each book takes 4--8 minutes to print and uses as little ink and paper as possible.”
Do you have a favourite resource you would like to share in the next Monthly Notices; Please send it to info@nchenz.org.nz
SPCA Drawing Competition
We’re inviting tamariki (up to 16 years old) to imagine themselves as a superhero for animals and create a drawing that shows how they would help. It could be rescuing an animal in need, caring for a pet, protecting the environment, keeping an animal company or creating safe spaces - however they imagine being an awesome animal guardian.
Competition details:
• Dates: Monday 2 February - Sunday 19 April
• Age categories: Under 5, 5–7, 8–10, 11–13, 14–16 years
• Prizes: One prize pack valued at $100 for each category winner
• How to enter: Tamariki can enter through the SPCA Kids’ Portal using the QR code or link on the poster/template.
You’ll also find more information in the Term 1 Kind Matters newsletter, where the theme is all about how tamariki can be everyday superheroes for animals.
Facebook updates.
Don’t have a Facebook, don’t see posts, Don’t worry,
the following are updates from our NCHENZ and Navigating Highschool & Beyond Facebook pages.
HESSA Update
30th January
Following the Petitions Committee Meeting yesterday, the committee members have requested stories of students who have been excluded from Championship level tournaments, or are facing exclusion this year from sports they participated in last year. If you have a story to tell, please email us on hello@hessa.org.nz.
SHARE WHAT YOU LOVE – SCIENCE EDITION!
There are so many wonderful science resources and curriculum options out there, and it can be hard to know where to start — or what will work best for your whānau.
So, let’s share the love and learn from each other!
We’d love to hear about the science curriculum and resources you’ve found helpful, engaging, and effective in your homeschool.
If you’re happy to share, please include:
Name of the curriculum / programme / resource
Age range it’s best suited for
Physical, online, or a mix of both
What you love about it
Any tips, hacks, or helpful insights
This is part of our “Share What You Love” series — a space for real-life recommendations from homeschooling families, for homeschooling families.
Responses so far:
Domain of Science on You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxqAWLTk1CmBvZFPzeZMd9A We used the videos for Quantum Physics but there is so much more he does in a range of science topics (including space) as well as maths. He provides printable resources as well as being entertaining and informative - links for the printables are in the comments below the video. We used his videos at Year 10, some videos would be suitable for younger and definitely suitable for older as well. This channel was my go to before I searched for more/other videos to support our study.
We are currently doing a unit on weather and have found the niwa lessons great for intermediate age https://niwa.co.nz/.../rangi-weather-and-climate-lessons..., daughter does them independently online and love that they are relevant to nz
Science Alive online lessons, Tiny Science Lab practicals, Science Badge Awards, DOC online conservation courses, Aquaculture Learning Lab online courses, Learnwell workbooks.
Generation genius online science
Theatre of Science is a great option, free video lessons, printouts available, and the older kid lessons align with cambridge science curriculum
https://mysteryscience.com/ Currently free:)
Science Badges - https://sciencebadges.co.nz/science-badges/
Have you completed the 2026 Home Education Survey?
We need your help, please complete the survey and share the link
https://forms.gle/RANJafnGfWc7vCnh9
SHARE YOUR BUSINESS – HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT!
Our homeschooling community is full of creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit — and we’d love to celebrate and support that!
Do you run a business that supports homeschooling families?
Or has your homeschooled child started their own business as part of their learning journey?
Maybe your children help in a family business as part of their education?
We’d love for you to share it, by emailing to coordinator@nchenz.org.nz !
Please include: Business name, What you offer, Who it’s for, How people can find or contact you, If your child is involved, feel free to share a little about their role or journey
As a homeschooling community, we want to support, encourage, and uplift one another, and this is a great way to connect families with amazing homegrown businesses.
We may even spotlight selected businesses in our quarterly newsletter, so this is a wonderful opportunity to share your story more widely. We will make contact with you before we do this!
Responses so far:
*Mama’s Little Helper NZ * A portable caddy filled with, practical and purposeful items to support new Mum’s and their babies. This small business allows me to work along side my youngest daughter who is home educated. Evie helps me put together the caddies and package them up to send off. She also helps me with design ideas and post content. https://mamaslittlehelpernz.company.site/
I have www.thebeadhold.co.nz, everything you need to bead! My homeschooled kids are up there once a week, doing bookwork and popping out and about for music lessons and co-op and also working, and I have a rotating group of older Homeschoolers coming through for work experience doing our packaging. It's a neat little hub on a Tuesday!
Business name: NoteOfCare I’m a homeschool mum and I create Christian resources for children — especially for kids who experience overwhelm, anxiety, or big emotions. My main product is Stomp Through the Storm, a children’s journal that helps kids slow down, process what’s happening inside, and gently replace stressful thoughts with truth. Find me here: https://noteofcare.etsy.com www.noteofcare.com� | Instagram: @noteofcare This resource came directly from what our own family needed, and it has been such a meaningful project to create
The Tallow Soapery | Ancient Healing Skincare | Nelson Tasman https://share.google/TZu1Ane5Afb6LzheC
My husband teaches guitar and drums both online and in studio. He also holds a student concert at the end of the year. www.perringuitartuition.co.nz Perrin Guitar Tuition Our homeschooled daughter has followed in her father’s footsteps and offers beginner piano lessons Piano Keys and Melodies
We’ve created workbooks to teach children and adults how to start a business. Check out www.thedreamworkbook.co.nz
My 5yo has started making garden boxes to earn some extra pocket money. He doesn’t have a business name yet as he has only just started this recently. We have just been listing them on Facebook marketplace. If you’re in Palmerston North, Hudson would love to help you out https://www.facebook.com/share/1KYUfCmuTW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
My husband Michael Petrus is a highly experienced music teacher, registered secondary teacher, audio engineer, and composer. His studio, Revelation Sound NZ, has several spots left this term for online music lessons in guitar, bass guitar, drums, classical singing, and song writing www.revelationsoundnz.com
Our permaculture homestead in Pahiatua is called Iranui Garden. We offer a variety of gardening classes and tours; we also sell our flowers and bouquets to local businesses and to individuals wanting fresh, organic bouquets. My 10-year-old daughter, Isla, has her own little flower stand selling posies she picks and arranges. Her flowers can be found at Tonic Coffee Shop in Pahiatua. People can find our garden on Facebook or Instagram at @Iranui Garden.
Nature's Grace - Apothecary Boxes with two other homeschool mamas.
We sell DIY boxes so you can grow and make your own Apothecary products. Spotlighting individual herbs or small collections, i.e. immunity, hormone health etc. We want to equip and educate people about how to grow the plants, and then utilize them to create a homemade apothecary, allowing them to take a more active role in their families health. We have also made some informationals and worksheets about horse chestnuts and hope to make more about other natural items.
Engaging Minds NZ . Resellers of quality curriculum, specializing in Home Education! We are a homeschooling family ourselves and can help you find the perfect curriculum to fit your family and lifestyle. www.engagingminds.co.nz
Kaingaroa Plant Lady is our whanau business. We are learning and teaching our tamariki as we learn how to run a business. Kids help out making things as well as running market stalls kaingaroaplantlady.com
LET’S CONNECT OUR HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITIES!
One of the greatest strengths of homeschooling is the community we build around us — but when families are new to homeschooling, it can sometimes feel hard to know where to start or who to connect with.
So let’s help each other out
Tell us about your group: email website@nchenz.org.nz
We can make sure your represented on our webpage so people can find you.
Name of your group or what people associate with the group
Where are you located? (Please be as specific as you’re comfortable sharing)
What ages do you cater for?
Do you have a particular focus? (e.g. nature-based, faith-based, sports, social, learning co-op, park days, outings, etc.)
How can families new to homeschooling find you or get in touch? (Facebook group, contact person, email etc.)
Whether your group is big or small, formal or casual — every connection matters.
Let’s help build strong local networks and make sure no family has to homeschool alone
Responses so far:
Hi everyone, I'm the current chairperson for the North Taranaki Home Educators group. We primarily cover the Northern Taranaki area. We have 100+ families with children from preschool through to "high school" ages. We have multiple organized events each week as well as several social opportunities, covering all sorts of interests from sport to nature play, swimming and tennis lessons, nature based study opportunities with our local council. The best ways to contact us are our website NTHE.net or email nthechairperson@gmail.com/admin@nthe.org. We also have an open Facebook page called Taranaki Home Education Social which is a great way to make initial contact.
Hi, I am the current chair for the South and Central Taranaki Home Educators Inc
South and Central Taranaki Home Education Inc . We cover Stratford - Eltham - Hawera, as well as out East (homeschoolers as far out as Whangamomona), and pull from Midhurst/Inglewood/Oakura/Kaponga too. Most of our formal activities are Stratford based. We obtain funding for various events under our INC umbrella and have great weekly and monthly events, both formal and social. We have a good range of ages from pre-school to teens, and our events are mostly family integrated. We split off in age groups for art classes and country day presentations, as well as a natural drift at social events (we have a good amount of teens). We have a camp in 3 weeks, a great way to get to know each other (day visitors welcome). See our website here www.scthe.net. We have loved meeting some new homeschool families this term and welcome both those with exemptions and studying with Te Kura.
Ōtepoti Dunedin Homeschoolers- for homeschoolers based in Ōtepoti- Dunedin and it's surrounds.
We're a secular group, with weekly groups for a variety of age groups, and many different one off events throughout the year like dances, markets, camps etc.
We have a facebook group as well for members but the best way to connect is via our website:
https://otepotidunedinhomeschoolers.co.nz/
South Auckland Out and About Homeschoolers is a social group that runs Tuesday mornings at various locations around south auckland (and sometimes further afield). It's a group to meet with other homeschooling families and for kids to make friends and play outside. All ages welcome though the group tends to be made up of mostly primary/intermediate aged homeschoolers.
Horowhenua Homeducators have a Nature Group on Wednesdays 10:30am, usually Waitarere Beach but we do go snorkling/kayaking at Pukerua bay or tramping in the Tararuas and other adventures like a market day or bushcraft sessions.
Age range last year was 1 to 16, some teens have moved on but come back if we plan cool stuff (like surf camp couple of weeks ago).
Parent and kid led activities, mostly free.
I am the chairperson of the Mahi Matatoa Home Educators, (you can search this name to find us on FB) we are based in North Canterbury but have families that attend our meet-ups from all over Canterbury. We meet everyone Monday outdoors at parks/lakes/beaches etc. Then on Fridays at a community centre, this meet-up is run more co-op style with parents taking turns to run activities. We also have a sports club that enables our members to participate in the Primary Sports Canterbury events like athletics, cross country etc. We also teach sport skills and new games and team building etc on a Friday during our Hangouts session and on Mondays. We also do lots of other family events and are currently focused on building our youth program. If you are interested in learning more about the group you can find us on Facebook or you can email us at mahimatatoatrust@gmail.com.
We have the Eastern Bay of plenty/whakatane homeschool group.
Ages 2-16. We meet on a Tuesday for a social day and sometimes organised activities.
Our places we meet vary week by week. We have the skate park, a couple of beach spots, the harbour. A lovely group from mixed backgrounds.
BOP Homeschool Group Hi, we have a fantastic, friendly group covering the Bay of Plenty area.
Homeschool families as well as students doing school at home (like Mt Hobson Academy, Te Kura, Crimson etc) can attend events.
There are a mix of homeschooling styles that attend and anyone can come.
We have a public page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076619191580
A private page (for those currently homeschooling or doing school at home). https://www.facebook.com/groups/625071479548694
A private page to Buy / Swap / Sell curriculum etc. https://www.facebook.com/groups/625071479548694
We have a separate page for BOP Gifted Children (as a lot of homeschooled children are gifted). https://www.facebook.com/groups/1196796119082613
Do share these groups with your networks and we hope to meet you soon! 😊
Cambridge Home educators group. Meets Tuesday usually 12.30-2.30. Mixed ages. Lots of different activities eg this term: blueberry factory and orchard tour, park play, arboretum, space centre, team games, outdoor cooking, pastry chef demo and the science of bread.
Te Awamutu tweens and teens group meets Wed 3 to 530 at Te Awamutu Bible Chapel. Usually 11 plus. Learning subjects by term theme included food tech, sewing, art, ball skills, IT, bushcraft.
A reminder that home educated students can enrol in one or two Te kura subjects (fee paying and those who meet criteria for the free pathway), without losing exemption or homeschooling allowance. Someone in TK has been giving parents incorrect information regarding this...
About NCHENZ
The National Council of Home Educators NZ (NCHENZ) has been an Incorporated Society since 1998, dedicated to supporting and advancing home education across Aotearoa NZ at a national level.
We are the only nationwide homeschooling body in NZ representing all home educators, and we hold a strong commitment to neutrality. As per our Constitution, we do not endorse or promote any particular political, religious, educational, parenting, or socio-economic philosophy or methodology. Our focus is on creating an inclusive environment where all members, regardless of their cultural background or beliefs, feel welcomed and respected.
We have had zero membership fees for many years to ensure that the organisation is accessible to the entire homeschooling community, regardless of personal circumstances.
Email us on info@nchenz.org.nz