The number of school children in Auckland has fallen for the first time in at least 25 years.
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Education Ministry figures show Auckland schools had 284,702 pupils in July, 1095 fewer than the same time last year.
The fall followed several years of growth of 2600-4000 students per year that put pressure on many schools.
Principals told RNZ the decline was likely due to a decrease in immigration and families leaving the region for areas with cheaper housing.
The figures also indicated foreign students contributed to the fall.
Nationally there were 5595 fee-paying international students in July, nearly 5000 fewer than the same time last year.
The figures showed the number of school children fell slightly in the Wellington region, and grew in Canterbury.
Nationally, there were 826,572 school children at the middle of the year, 225 fewer than the same time last year.