There is a well-known, large and persistent association between
education and health, and a strong link between qualifications,
income and employment.
Research conducted as part of the Christchurch Health and
Development Study found that socioeconomic status at birth is
strongly linked to educational achievement. This may result
in a vicious cycle in which children in poorer households are less
likely to gain qualifications, and therefore more likely to
experience unemployment or low incomes. The same study found
that those who did not gain qualifications were also at increased
risk of criminal offending.
In 2006, around one-third of Christchurch residents had some
form of post-school qualification including a bachelors or higher
degree. Approximately one in five Christchurch residents had
no formal qualification, although this figure had been declining
over the previous twenty years.
Read the
full issue summary for education [PDF].