The Parents Legal Information Line for School Issues (PLINFO)

0800 499 488

The Parents Legal Information Line for School Issues (PLINFO) operates as a free nationwide service aiming to provide parents and caregivers with knowledge about their own and their children's legal rights and obligations within the state and integrated school system.  PLINFO offers callers legal information and assistance on a wide range of issues involving children, young people and the school system - a student's right to an education, school discipline, suspensions, searches, privacy, uniforms, truancy, fees, bullying and making a complaint. 

PLINFO is operated by the Wellington Community Law Centre and funded though the Office of the Commissioner for Children. Legally trained volunteers are rostered on twice a day and are available to discuss problems at school, assist by contacting the school on the parent's behalf, connect the parent with local advocacy services and explore ways to resolve disputes and work effectively with schools to ensure the best possible outcomes for the student. As the phone is not staffed at all times, callers are required to leave a message with a brief outline of their issue, a preferred time for volunteers to return their call, and they will be contacted.

In addition to the infoline there is a comprehensive booklet "Schools and the Right to Discipline - A guide for parents"  Fifth Edition January 2011. Download this publication, or contact info@wclc.org.nz to order a hard copy.