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Good practice

New Zealand Free Period Products in Schools Programme (Ikura)

New Zealand · Wellington · See the New Zealand profile

National programme launched in June 2021 providing free period products in 2,100+ state schools, covering 97–98% of students. Over 600,000 packs distributed in the first year; an estimated 95,000 students previously missed school due to period poverty.

2,100+
Schools participating (2024)
600,000+
Packs distributed in first year
45% of 119 surveyed
Secondary schools reporting reduced attendance barriers
~95,000 (1 in 12)
Students who missed school due to period poverty (pre-programme)

Details

Maturity
Established
Promoter
New Zealand Ministry of Education
Period
2021–present
Keywords
public sector, education, gender equality, social inclusion, wellbeing

Context

Launched in June 2021 and known as Ikura, New Zealand's free period products in schools programme provides period products free of charge to all students in state and state-integrated schools.

Results

By 2024, 2,100+ schools participated (97-98% of menstruating students covered), and more than 600,000 packs were distributed in the first year. NZCER's independent qualitative research found students reported reduced anxiety and shame and improved ability to participate in school; a survey of 119 secondary schools found 45% reported reduced barriers to attendance and 28% noted increased participation in sports and cultural activities.

Conclusions

Before the programme, an estimated 95,000 young people (1 in 12) missed school during their period due to inability to afford products. Initial NZ$25 million funding (2021-2024) was extended to NZ$14 million through June 2028, confirming it as a permanent government commitment.

Implementation

Implementation detail (cost, timeline, staffing, conditions for success) is not yet available for this practice.

Data sources

Where this practice's information was retrieved from, and when.

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