School Uniform Prices and Impacts on Families w/ Dr. Johanna Reidy: 20th April, 2026

A recent study by researchers at the University of Otago’s school of medicine has found that school uniform prices have become a barrier to education for many school students across Aotearoa. 

While some secondary schools have uniforms priced in the $200 range, some can get as expensive as $2000. The high prices force some families to take out loans or make sacrifices to afford education, while others are completely locked out of certain schools.

To discuss the scale of the problem, the impacts on students and families, and how school boards and the government can respond, News Director Castor spoke to Public Health lecturer Dr. Johanna Reidy.