Running a school hostel

About school hostels

Hostels can be run by a school board or privately. You must get a licence from us to run a hostel. School hostel owners must provide a safe and positive environment for their students.

A hostel is a boarding establishment for school students that:

• charges a boarding fee

• accommodates 5 or more students

• houses students on an ongoing basis.

Running a hostel

Hostel owners must comply with the Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005. Hostels must have written policies which show how they positively support the wellbeing and learning of their students.

Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005 (SR 2005/332) – New Zealand Legislation

Hostels need to meet minimum operating standards for:

• the building structure and facilities

• maintenance

• emergency management

• health and safety.

These guidelines set out what you must do to make sure you are meeting your obligations.

Running costs

Hostel owners must be able to fund running costs from boarding fees or other board funds.

Hostel reviews

We review hostels to make sure they are safe and supportive learning environments. We use these review reports to support licensing decisions.

Learn more: About school hostel reviews

Renew a hostel licence

You need to renew your hostel licence every 3 years. We will email you reminders well before the expiry date. You need to submit your licence renewal form 20 working days before the licence expires.

Complete our licence renewal form. You will need to provide evidence in the form that your hostel is compliant with regulations.

We will inspect your hostel before renewing your licence to make sure it is operating well.

If the way your hostel is run changes, you need to let us know. Fill out the relevant change of details form:

If an incident occurs that affects, or could affect, the health, safety or wellbeing of students, your first priority is to respond to the situation and ensure everyone is safe. If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, contact emergency services on 111 immediately.

Once any immediate risks have been managed, private schools and school hostels may have obligations to notify a student's parent or guardian, Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand Police, and ERO, depending on the nature of the incident and any applicable legal requirements.

Private schools and school hostels should notify ERO of significant incidents that may affect:

• the health, safety, or wellbeing of students;

• the suitability of staff, volunteers, contractors, or hostel workers to work with children or young people;

• compliance with legislative or regulatory requirements; or

• the safe operation of the school or hostel.

You can notify ERO:

Via email at enforcement@ero.govt.nz

By contacting ERO directly if urgent advice is required via 0800 376 800.