The system of New Zealand education is world-class, modern and responsive. It combines proven, traditional principles of education with innovation, creativity and fresh thinking to produce leaders and citizens equipped for the 21st century. The education system of New Zealand was introduced by the British colonial authorities during the colonial period. It is based on universal primary and secondary education to the age of 15 and a more diverse system after that point involving the later years of secondary school. Universities were more elite institutions but are now much more widely accessible since their expansion in the last decade that involved increasing student numbers in existing universities and redesignating other tertiary institutions.We seek a world leading education system that equips all New Zealanders with the knowledge, skills and values to be successful citizens in the 21st century. In the current knowledge age, learners need to know how to problem-solve, synthesise information, work with others, create and innovate.