School Testimonials

“Attendance West play an invaluable role in supporting our school with student attendance. They have been a consistent and reliable partner, working with our staff, students and their whānau to improve attendance outcomes. Their presence has greatly enhanced our ability to deal with attendance concerns. Their team has demonstrated professionalism, dedication and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of our students and our community. We value the partnership we have with Attendance West.”

– Greg Roebuck, Prinicpal, New Lynn School

“This is the best service that we have used in the attendance space to help build trust and to support whānau who are struggling to get their kids to school regularly..AW team communicates in a skilled and timely manner. The service is culturally appropriate which has been appreciated.”

– AnnMaree Molloy, Principal, Glendene School

“Attendance West are visible in our Kura. They continue to step up and support our whānau by helping to remove significant and varied barriers. They are proactive in finding solutions to ensure school attendance is a priority.”

– Yvonne Mackinnon, Principal, Prospect School

“Attendance West are a huge support to our Kura. They have helped us have a more structured approach to Attendance. The connections they have made with whānau are invaluable. The service is both professional and personal.”

– Michelle Muir, Finance Manager, Oratia School

“Attendance West have been a great help in supporting our students. They regularly visit and make home visits, see students at school and keep us informed.”

– Julie Southey, Attendance Officer, Green Bay High School

“Attendance West has provided excellent service to our school and community. They build strong relationships with our families and work closely with our key school staff.”

– Cliff Hughes, Principal, Kelston Primary School

“The ‘We Got You’ program has been incredibly beneficial for our school, particularly for a group of boys who face ongoing challenges with attendance, behaviour, anxiety, and overall engagement. The program provides a consistent, supportive environment where these students can build their confidence, connect with peers from different walks of life, and develop essential life and social skills.

Through a range of well-structured activities and mentoring, the boys are given a safe space to express themselves, feel heard, and grow in ways that the traditional classroom setting may not always allow. One of the most powerful indicators of the program’s success is how much the boys genuinely look forward to each session. It’s clear that the presence of the mentors and the structure of the program are having a lasting and positive impact on their overall development, both in and out of school.”

– Jan Peach, DP, Glen Eden Intermediate School

“Thank you for your mahi in this challenging area of attendance. We know that there are so many factors that influence why students come to school. We have appreciated the approach your team have taken with our whānau. They have listened and been sensitive to the needs that each family present, and has attempted to support them in that need. Often, the families we refer have complex dynamics, and your team have navigated carefully through diverse issues by coming alongside and working with them. Your service also works collaboratively with our school and communicates with us regularly. This service is essential in supporting our community and we strongly support their continuation.”

– Ivanka Soljan, Deputy Principal, St Leonards Road School

“The Attendance West team have been a consistently approachable and respectful presence in our school community. Their clear communication and culturally aware approach have helped us feel supported and informed. They bring valuable insight into the local landscape and are well-placed to continue strengthening school and whānau connections. With ongoing collaboration and support, we believe they can play an even greater role in improving outcomes for students across the region. We’re happy to support the continuation of this important service.”

– Andy Lawrence, Tumauki, Principal, Elim Christian College

“The Attendance West team has been integral in getting our tamariki to attend school regularly. I have referred many students to Attendance West during my time at Arahoe School. Without exception, every student referred has started attending regularly. The Attendance West staff member has visited the whānau and reported back to me with the reason they’ve missed school and a plan to get them back. They stay in touch with the school until such time the student is attending regularly before closing the case. Even after that, if the student is absent again on a regular basis they will do another visit. This service is invaluable to us as we are busy and can’t do home visits. These are powerful in connecting with whānau and more so with a third party doing it. We strongly support the continuation of this service in our region.”

– Kaine Henderson, Learning Support Coordinator, Arahoe School

“We have been developing and refining our attendance strategy since 2019. Initially we were doing this on our own as we did not have good support. We were doing this ourselves in response to the needs of our community.

Attendance West took over in 2023 and the transformation in service was instant. With the partnership we have with Attendance West we have been able to reduce our chronic attendance group from 60% to 8.5% of our school. The support and communication we have with the team enables us to support our students and their families with all aspects of well-being impacting attendance. We are very grateful for the Attendance West team and implore those in the decision-making process to continue to employ this team to address attendance in our community.”

– Katie Pennicott, Principal, Sunnyvale School

“The ‘We Got You’ programme has been a great addition to our kura. You’ve built strong, genuine relationships with our students, and it’s clear they look forward to your sessions every week.

Attendance and engagement are steadily improving (we have data to show this), and the activities are always meaningful, creative, and well‑structured.”

– Dan Willemsen, Rangeview Intermediate

“The team has been excellent with their communication around the issues for non attendance of our students and have worked effectively with the whānau to ensure greater attendance of these students. The in-school attendance program has been a great success and students have engaged in a positive manner.”

– Greg Elgar, Deputy Principal, Rangeview Intermediate School

“I have been privileged to sit on the Attendance West governance board for the past two years. Over this time the productivity and outcomes produced by the staff at Attendance West led by Tracey Dee has been nothing short of astounding.

As Principal of a West Auckland school in Henderson and being a member of the West Auckland Principals collective known as A@W, I know the very real and urgent demands on West Auckland education and the sometimes overwhelming social barriers to education our West Auckland students face.

You must understand the above context to fully grasp the complete turnaround and positive impact the Attendance West team have achieved. Their impact is real, their work cuts to the heart of systemic issues and the needs of communities are faced and met at a level that not only solves present issues but gives a chance for serious sustainable change.

Please look at the compelling comparative statistics that confirm the above – the figures may be hard to fathom, but they are correct.

Thank you for considering the Attendance West team for future projects. I would be very happy to speak to this testimonial if required.”

– Steve Dooley, Principal, Liston College

“Having been involved in West Auckland schools for the last 20yrs this has been the most responsive and robust agency we have worked with on Attendance, The clear communication and information sharing is smooth, easy, fluid and timely. We feel that WAAS is making a massive difference in informing whānau and helping to remove barriers to attend school.”

– Olivia Fugmann, Associate Principal, Waitākere College

“I wanted to give some feedback on your team and in particular Jordan. The team effort from Attendance West has been awesome, assisting with improved whānau connections and attendance outcomes and has reduced barriers to learning. The service, communication and dedication we have received is second to none. His dedication to our students and their families, and the service that he offers, is wonderful to see and it’s clear that he has the students’ best interest at heart. His excellent communication, be that via email, phone or face-to-face, ensures that we are always up to date with everything. I can’t thank him enough for his professionalism and dedication. Looking forward to continuing working with you, Jordan and the team in Term 3 and beyond.”

– Caroline Brownlee, Student Records Manager, Waitākere College

“The work that Attendance West does has been pivotal in helping a portion of our students to re-engage with their education. The team are fast to react when students are referred and will do all they can to help each student. They approach students as individuals, with tailored approaches to each situation which has seen some great results. Jordan and his team are enthusiastic about what they do, it is clear they care about the students’ Hauora and want to work alongside them to help them overcome the barriers that they face. Jordan is always available for further conversations around more complex cases and will share ideas with us. The support we receive from Attendance West is very much needed and we strongly advocate for its continuation.”

– Adele Shaw, Assistant Principal, Henderson High School

“Attendance West has the organisation, the personnel, the follow through and the heart to make a difference to improve attendance. We’ve seen it happen. I wholeheartedly support them in their pursuit to continue their tūmeke mahi!”

– Philippa Durkin, Principal, Henderson High School

“Jordan’s help in liaising with whānau contributes in maintaining a positive connection with our school community. His home visits enable us to keep our database up to date and highlights any issues that may be preventing whānau from sending their tamariki to school and engaging in learning whilst here.”

– Sarah Young-Attendance & Enrolments Officer, Henderson High School

“This year’s AW boys have been absolutely amazing! They know how to connect and create a rapport with not only my parents but with the child/children too. I haven’t received a single phone complaint. They have been very helpful in getting our Maori and P.I boys to return to school and attend on a regular basis. This group of boys were barely here last year, so that alone says something!

The work that they do within my community is priceless! Their weekly visits and check-ins at school, tells me that they actually give a damn about our children, their wellbeing and the wellbeing of their family. It’s been really great getting to know them. I hope we have Bon and Dan for many years to come!”

– MillzTia-Fepulea’i, Pomaria School

“We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact Attendance West have had on our school community. Through their tireless efforts, our school’s engagement and attendance rates for our hard-to-reach whānau have significantly improved, creating a more effective and consistent learning environment for our tamariki. Dan and Bon’s ability to build meaningful and genuine relationships with our whānau, community, and school staff has been crucial to the impact they have had. Their approachable and empathetic nature fosters trust, making it easier for families to work with the school to address attendance challenges. They go above and beyond ensuring that every interaction is supportive and solution-focused. We deeply appreciate Dan and Bon’s dedication, professionalism, and the positive energy they bring to our kura. Their contributions have made a lasting difference, and we are fortunate to have them as valued partners in our efforts to improve attendance and foster a connected, thriving community.”

– Clayton Smith, Pomaria Primary

“As we all know attendance is the first barrier to learning at school. Attendance West have been a game changer for our tamariki and whānau who are struggling with attendance. Their bespoke service to our community helps support those who need a ‘gentle reminder’ through to those who are struggling with trauma and other barriers to attendance. Their ability to connect whānau with other services to support them are second to none. Attendance West and our kura are partners aiming to support tamariki attendance!”

– Tony Biddick, Tumuaki, Henderson Primary School

“The team at Attendance West, particularly Sharlene, have been a tremendous and very trustworthy support in managing our attendance. I am new to managing attendance and every time I ask a question or have a concern she has been nothing short of amazing. Always quick to respond, reassure and impart knowledge.

There is real value in having attendance support especially when dealing with high need whānau that struggle to trust. We have learnt a great deal about why some of our kids aren’t at school and we have been able to put strategies in place to help get our kids back in the classroom.”

– Melissa Stunzner, PA to Jonnie Black, Principal, Matipo Primary School

“The Attendance West team have been an asset to our school community in supporting and actioning our Attendance Plan for our whānau who require the extra support in this area to improve attendance outcomes. We have genuinely appreciated Jordan’s updates regarding our students/whānau. We are so appreciative of this service and strongly support the continuation of this service in our region.”

– Aimee Ridley, Deputy Principal, Holy Cross Catholic School, Henderson

“Attendance West has delivered an outstanding service to Henderson South School. What stands out is their truly personal and careful approach; they’re not just effective, they’re genuinely personable. Their great communication and consistent follow-ups have been key in significantly decreasing the number of our recidivist children, proving to be a massive positive impact for our school community. We wholeheartedly wish for this essential service to continue.”

– Trevor Diamond, Principal, Henderson South School

“Jordan has been a great support to us in supporting attendance. With the one complex case we referred to him, we haven’t yet been able to effect any change, however he has followed through with an Oranga Tamariki referral. Jordan is so easy to work with, and stays in touch all the time.”

– Adele Nummy, Deputy Principal, Western Heights Primary

“We are very happy with the service we receive from Attendance West. The communication is prompt which is greatly appreciated. Bon is easy to work with and is always transparent about his plans for our tamariki and their whānau moving forward.”

– Tania Vano, Ranui School

“Attendance West have provided an awesome level of support for our school and in getting students into class. We have seen a fantastic increase in engagement with whānau, whose children have in the past not attended school. Both Daniel and Sharlene have been available, present and very easy to communicate with, furthermore, finding positive conclusions for students, whether returning to school successfully or developing their learning journey beyond school grounds.”

– Kevin Gilmore, Dean Yr 11, Rutherford College

“Since partnering with Attendance West, we have seen a noticeable improvement in student attendance and engagement across our school. Their proactive and culturally responsive approach has been instrumental in re-engaging students and supporting whānau to overcome barriers to regular attendance. The service’s consistent communication, professionalism, and strong community connections have made a real difference to our outcomes. We firmly believe that the continuation of Attendance West’s services is essential. Their support has not only enhanced student wellbeing but also contributed positively to our overall learning environment.”

– Julie-Ann Thumath, Deputy Principal & Viv Carr, Principal, Henderson Intermediate School

“We have been working alongside the community connectors for Attendance West for two years. We have had a marked improvement in our attendance statistics over this short time. Attendance West have built strong relationships with our families and I believe this is the key to promoting change in routines and expectations. We have found that regular hui to discuss outcomes and next steps have been integral for achieving success.”

– Whaea Vikki, Principal, Birdwood School

“The Attendance West team has given invaluable support to our school community. Their proactive, student-centred approach has made a real difference in supporting engagement, strengthening connections with whānau, and improving attendance outcomes. Their work helps remove barriers that can stand in the way of learning, and their presence ensures no student slips through the cracks. We see this service as essential to the wellbeing and success of our students, and we fully support its continued role in West Auckland.”

– Alex Jelas, Waitakere Primary

“Attendance West has provided outstanding service to our school community. The team has consistently delivered high-quality support that has positively impacted our students, whānau, and staff. Your proactive and compassionate approach has made a real difference in improving student attendance and engagement.

Our whānau have experienced fast, positive, and fantastic outcomes through their involvement. The clear communication, timely follow-ups, and genuine care shown by Attendance West have strengthened trust between home and school, helping us all work together more effectively.

Our staff have also benefited greatly from Davita’s support, gaining confidence and clarity in navigating attendance challenges with the guidance of a knowledgeable and responsive team. I strongly believe this service should continue. The value they bring to schools is significant, and their work directly contributes to better outcomes for learners and their families.”

– Rosalina Fautua, Principal, Waitakere Seventh Day Adventist School

“We would like to acknowledge the outstanding support provided by Jordan and his team at Attendance West. They have been a consistently helpful and proactive partner in supporting our students and their whānau to get to school and to get here regularly. Through their involvement, we have seen a steady increased improvement in attendance outcomes. Their team communicates clearly and regularly, and they work with both empathy and purpose when engaging with families and school staff. Their ability to build trust and foster positive relationships has made a real difference to our school community. Attendance West provides a vital link between home and school, ensuring that support is tailored, respectful, and effective. It would be a significant loss to our school if this service were no longer available. Myself and the office staff strongly support the continuation of the service they provide.”

– Blair Giles-Principal, Summerland Primary School

“I would like to acknowledge Lisa at Attendance West. Lisa has done an incredible job with our student, always responsive to calls and messages and follows up with feedback. Lisa has grown great relationships with students and their families to make positive progress in getting them back to school.”

– Jackie, Colwill School

“Attendance West have assisted us as a school to support whānau. This has meant there has been an improved attendance. Therefore the learning has improved with regular attendance. The team have been caring towards our whānau. We strongly support the continuation of this outstanding service in our region.”

– Maggie Reid, Flanshaw Rd School

“Attendance West is an essential part of our collaborative team. They support our students and their whānau to reduce barriers to learning and to re-engage at school. In our Kahui Ako, we rely on Attendance West to continue their valuable work for our tamariki.”

– Lynda Woodhead, Learning Support Co-ordinator, Riverhead School

“Attendance West has been an invaluable partner in supporting our families struggling with chronic absence. Their team goes above and beyond, building authentic connections with whānau both in their homes and at school. It’s the little things, like ensuring families have the school app and everything they need for a smooth school day, that have truly made a difference. We’ve also seen incredible success with their support during the crucial transition from our kura into high school.”

– Christina Robertson, Principal, Taupaki School

“As a school social worker, it is integral to collaborate with other services to provide quality, wrap‑around support. The Attendance West mentoring service has been a phenomenal resource. Their flexibility—moving effortlessly between the classroom, the community, and the child’s home—made them incredibly easy to work with. One of our students, who had been excluded from another school and was on the verge of being removed from our roll due to poor attendance, was supported by Attendance West. His mentor, Soul, worked alongside him in the classroom, took him out for regular breaks, encouraged and motivated him, and connected with his whānau to ensure there were no barriers to his attendance.

Since then, his attendance and engagement at school have increased exponentially. We cannot thank Attendance West enough for this invaluable support.”

– Tyler Kelly, Social Worker In Schools

“The Attendance West have helped us connect more positively with our whānau to improve our attendance outcomes within our kura.
The team have built a trusted and proactive partnership with their regular check and connections with our whānau. Their sharing of the importance of regular attendance, learning, and engaging in all aspects of school life has been successful for our students and whānau.

The team are working with us to create a successful attendance plan. We strongly support the continuation of their service in our region.”

Don Buck School

“I wish to endorse the services provided by Attendance West to Massey Primary School. They have demonstrated themselves to be a professional provider for our students/whānau and staff. They have engaged with all of our whānau.”

– Bruce Barnes, Principal, Massey Primary

“The Attendance West team provide an invaluable service to our school community working with akonga who face challenges attending school. Their work and dedication is admirable.

As a school we do not have the resources or skill to work in the community with the families. We appreciate their work directly with the families and communication with our school while working with the akonga.”

– Karen Webster, Finance Officer, Massey Primary School

“We are so grateful for the continual support and expertise that Attendance West have offered our kura over the past few years. They are able to navigate the bridge between ourselves and some whānau that we find that we either don’t have the time or ability to do. The South Kaipara Community are often resistant to outsiders and so having a Community Connector who is a local is so important and the whānau that we refer are always grateful for the time and empathy that she offers; on many occasions this has resulted in a return to school for the child concerned.

Always at the end of the phone, Attendance West have also helped with creating and implementing our Attendance Response Plan, offered Youth Conuselling and have delivered Professional Development for staff.

With the current expectations placed on school for improving attendance, this service is essential.”

– Karen Holleron, Tumuaki Tuarua/Deputy Principal, Helensville School

“Attendance West has provided us with another layer of support and follow up for our students who are struggling with attending regularly. Our school connector has excellent relationships with our students and whanau and really feel this has made a difference. He regularly updates us on attendance follow ups and we meet face to face to discuss students who have been referred. We as a kura are big supporters of this service continuing from Attendance West.”

– Jono Taura, Deputy Principal, Massey High School

“We value the partnership that we have with Attendance West. They have been a great assistance for us to connect with whānau of students who for various reasons may not be attending school regularly. Attendance West have been proactive in their Liaison role and have supported both our school and our whānau to reduce any barriers to attendance and through this support students to receive increased learning opportunities. As a school, we strongly support the continuation of the service and the partnership we have with them.”

– Maurice Young, Principal, Marina View School

“We have found the support from Attendance West to be incredibly valuable. Their proactive, approachable, and compassionate approach has enabled us to make real progress with some of our most complex attendance challenges. They take the time to understand our context and work alongside us with genuine care—not just for our school, but also for the whānau we’re working to support. Thanks to their involvement, we’ve been able to approach families more confidently and constructively, leading to improved relationships and better outcomes for students. Attendance West truly feels like a partner in this work, and we’re grateful for the care and professionalism they bring to every interaction.”

– Molly Fletcher, Deputy Principal, Whenuapai School

“The Attendance West team has been incredibly supportive in helping our school and whānau improve student attendance. Their commitment to reducing barriers to learning and providing genuine, practical support for struggling families has been invaluable.

The team has consistently demonstrated a warm, knowledgeable, and responsive approach to the needs of our whānau. As a school, we deeply value having access to their support and expertise.

We strongly advocate for the continued presence of the Attendance West service in our area.”

– Wendy Dunn, Learning Support Coordinator, Waimauku School

“The Attendance West Team has been an incredible support for our school, helping us navigate evolving attendance expectations and assisting in our engagement with whānau. Their collaborative approach, which effectively brings together Attendance West, our school, whānau, and learners, has been invaluable. For our more complex cases, they have helped facilitate the gathering of essential information and fostered continuous connection, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards shared goals. This partnership has given us a broader understanding of the factors contributing to poor attendance and enabled us to develop and implement effective return-to-school plans.”

– Abbe Waghorn, Tumuaki Tuarua, Deputy Principal, Huapai District School

“Attendance West has been a valuable partner in supporting our students, whānau, and staff. Their home visits have opened lines of communication, helping whānau feel heard and supported. Through their work, we’ve seen improved attendance and a noticeable reduction in barriers to learning. This service provides essential support that schools alone cannot always offer, ensuring every voice is valued and every learner has a better chance of success.”

– Lynette Ireland, Principal, Waioneke School

“The Attendance West team has been involved in supporting our students. They’ve helped us connect with whānau, leading to some improvements in attendance outcomes, and have contributed to reducing barriers to learning. We believe continued focus in these areas is important, and we support the continuation of this service in our region as we work towards further progress.”

– Francesca Salsone, Parakai School

“At Hobsonville Point Secondary School, we’ve really valued the support provided by the Attendance West service. The consistent weekly follow-ups with students and/or parents, including home visits, alongside clear notes shared at the end of each week, have helped us maintain strong communication and accountability for all. He has also gone above and beyond to provide extra support for whānau, helping us build stronger connections and improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable learners. We strongly support the continuation of this service in our region.”

– Rosamund Britton, Deputy Principal, Hobsonville Point Secondary School

“The Attendance West Team have given us great advice for our attendance response plans and provided us with easy-to-use Referral Check Lists. Their processes are clear and concise. The information hui was very informative and we came away with lots of new information. We are looking forward to continue working with the team. Ka rawe.”

– Michelle Kelly, School Secretary, Rutherford Primary School

“Attendance West have been an invaluable support to our school. Their team has enabled us to connect with whānau who are often unresponsive to direct school contact. Through their respectful and consistent approach, they’ve helped bridge the gap between home and school, ultimately improving student engagement and attendance. We truly value their partnership and the positive impact they’ve had on our community.”

– Ruth Nicholson, Learning Support Coordinator, Kaukapakapa School

“Attendance West has been a trusted and effective partner in our efforts to improve student attendance. Their team has worked closely with our school, supporting us in engaging with hard-to-reach whānau and providing vital liaison with agencies such as the New Zealand Police and Oranga Tamariki. They have also offered invaluable guidance in the development of our attendance improvement plans and policies.”

– Dharma-Setu Dāsa, Principal, Hare Krishna School

“This service has had a great impact on our school community. We’ve seen improved student attendance and a noticeable increase in whānau engagement with families who haven’t in the past. The support offered to families has been practical, timely, and deeply appreciated and the communication between Attendance West and the School is fantastic in supporting whānau. It’s clear that this service helps build stronger connections between home and school, and we strongly believe it should continue.”

– Iona Clarke, Tumuaki Tuarua | Deputy Principal, Arohanui Special School