Period products. Periods are normal. Period.

The access to period products initiative aims to provide free period products to children and young people in all state and state-integrated schools and kura across New Zealand during 2021.

Periods are a fact of life for half the population. Despite this, young people don’t always have access to the products they need to feel comfortable at school, engage in their learning, and manage what should be a normal and healthy part of life.

Poor access to period products can affect students’ attendance and engagement at school. Students also miss out on sporting and cultural activities and can feel embarrassed and ashamed about not being supported to manage their periods. This affects their achievement and wellbeing.

Providing access to free period products to those who need it in all state and state-integrated schools and kura will:

• reduce barriers to access and improve school attendance, sports involvement and tertiary participation

• improve child and youth wellbeing

• reduce financial strain on families and whānau experiencing poverty/material hardship, and

• promote positive gender norms and reduce stigmatisation of menstruation.

Access to period products is a necessity, not a luxury. The need to access period products exists for every young person who experiences menstruation including young women, girls, transgender, and gender diverse youth, in ways that meet diverse needs and cultural perspectives.

A variety of packs of pads and tampons will be provided. These products are easy to use and appropriate for a broad range of students’ age, developmental, and cultural needs in a schooling context. Schools and kura will be able to order based on their roll number, similar to ordering any other essential supply. Enough product will be provided so that students can effectively manage their whole cycle and can take product home.

PLACES WHERE PERIOD PRODUCTS will be available at Hillmorton:

• Aria in Aonga Ake

• Year 7 and 8 work space

• Careers Centre

• All HOYs / Female DP / Team Leaders

• Student Office / Sick Bay

• Counsellors

• Nurse

• Social Science

• PE / GYM OFFICE

• Home Economics / Soft Technology

• Student Support

• English Department

• Whare

• Art

• Upland

• International Department

Please note that by receiving products we have to follow the following terms and conditions, including:

• ensuring products are distributed to ākonga

• products are not freely available to adults

• products are not for resale

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here at school.

Kind regards

Eleanor Sim

DP, Pastoral Care and Well-being