Education and Training Act 2020, ss 80, 88; Education (Stand-Down, Suspension, Exclusion, and Expulsion) Rules 1999, rule 8
A kiwi suspension is when you’re told to go home but haven’t been stood down or suspended formally (see “Stand downs” and “Suspensions” above). Or if you are asked to voluntarily withdraw but haven’t been excluded or expelled. Kiwi suspensions are illegal.
For example, it would be against the law if you were:
told not to come back to school unless you cut your hair
sent home for not wearing the correct uniform
told to stay home because your teacher aide is away from school.
Education and Training Act 2020, s 45
Principals can excuse you from school for short periods (up to five days). For example, to go to a tangi or funeral. Schools can’t send you home as a punishment without following the proper standdown or suspension process.