Dame Elizabeth Rata: Episode 3 - A National Education System - Free, Compulsory, Secular

In the video below Episode 3 describes the free and compulsory features of the national system established by the 1877 Education Act. Achieving the difficult balance between state control and individual freedom is the ongoing creative tension of liberal democracy. This episode shows it in action. A distinctive New Zealand culture is emerging – one free from the constraints of tradition seeking to balance idealism and pragmatism. This striving for civil society's balance can be seen in the Act's attendance regulations.

There are accounts of the many exemptions designed to manage compulsory attendance. Vivid accounts of the 'New Zealand death', especially in the 1900 Motu River tragedy; of frequent epidemics including measles, diphtheria, tuberculosis, are taken from the comprehensive inspectors' reports. These intrepid men were deeply committed to using the schools to not only educate children but to improve the health of the colony. Practical measures were recommended – use paper instead of slates, don't spit, and most importantly of all ventilate the schoolroom by opening windows.

The school population grew nearly 40 percent in just three years following the 1877 Education Act– a testament to the vast majority of New Zealanders who were committed to a national system of education.


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Professor Elizabeth Rata is a sociologist of education in the School of Critical Studies, Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland where she is Director of the Knowledge in Education Research Unit (KERU).