Students stepping up: teens helping families make ends meet

Across New Zealand, a growing number of secondary school students are rolling up their sleeves and taking on part-time work — not just for pocket money, but to help keep their families afloat. A South Auckland high school has revealed that around 40% of its Year 12 and 13 students are working to contribute to household expenses, shining a light on both the resilience of young Kiwis and the pressures many families are facing.

Poverty advocates are raising the alarm after observing a noticeable rise in the number of older teens entering the workforce out of financial necessity rather than choice. While juggling NCEA study and part-time shifts is nothing new for New Zealand students, the scale and motivation behind this trend is prompting fresh conversations about how schools, employers, and communities can better support young people who are carrying more than a schoolbag.

What stands out is the quiet determination of these rangatahi. Rather than stepping back from their responsibilities at home, they are stepping forward — showing maturity, work ethic, and a deep sense of whānau loyalty that many employers genuinely value. Schools are working hard to be flexible, and some are tailoring timetables and support systems to ensure that working students don't fall behind academically.

Experts and advocates are calling for broader systemic support — from increased government assistance for struggling families through to employer education around the needs of student workers. Initiatives like financial mentoring programmes, wrap-around school support services, and community food banks are already making a real difference for families in tough spots across the motu.

This story matters because it reflects the heart of what makes New Zealand communities strong: people looking out for one another. By acknowledging the challenge these young people face, we create the opportunity to surround them with the resources, flexibility, and encouragement they deserve — so they can thrive both at school and at home.

Originally reported by RNZ New Zealand Headlines.