Are fewer Kiwi kids starting school toilet trained?
Primary school principals in New Zealand report an increasing number of new entrants arriving at school without being toilet trained. Educators describe this as a growing challenge that impacts classroom management and student well-being.
Why it matters
The trend highlights potential gaps in early childhood development and the increasing burden on primary school resources.
“I hate being a doomsayer, but the problem is becoming much worse,” says primary school principal Ash Maindonald.
Esther Zweifel 24 September 2026 10 min read Caption: Are fewer Kiwi kids starting school toilet trained? Photo credit: Unsplash At a primary school in Henderson, about a quarter of new entrants are starting school not able to use the toilet independently.
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