Support for National's school leavers policy

It's thought young people need to master basic life skills,  before making decisions about their futures.

National wants to require students to stay in school until they complete Year 11, unless an exemption applies.

Currently, students can leave once they turn 16.

Blue Light Ventures Chief Executive Brendon Crompton told Mike Hosking the move would help ensure young people have the maths, reading and writing skills to write emails and CVs, and manage a budget.

He says NCEA level one is needed for entry in other courses or trades anyway.

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