Recent Immigration Act changes have clarified what happens with children unlawfully in New Zealand.  These changes support the United Nations Convention on the rights of the Child (UNCROC).  Under the old act, in the case of children unlawfully in New Zealand, INZ had to issue some sort of permit so that the school would not be in breach of the Act, despite the child not qualifying under any policy.  Limited Purpose Permits (LPPs) were used to make the child temporarily lawful so that they could attend school and New Zealand compiled with UNCROC.  

Under the new act, INZ no longer issues LPPs to children unlawfully in New Zealand, for the purpose of study. The children will remain unlawful, unless they qualify under policy.  The Ministry of Education will determine the criteria for enrolment of children unlawfully in the country.  INZ will not prosecute the school for enrolling a child unlawfully in New Zealand who is of compulsory school age however INZ may still take action against the unlawful student.