NCEA and scholarship exams start today after a disrupted school year.  

Students who have been affected by the ongoing level three lockdown are eligible for an Unexpected Event Grade.  

If students don't sit the exam, they'll get that grade and if they do sit - they'll receive whichever grade is higher.  

National Party education spokesperson Paul Goldsmith told Kate Hawkesby there'll be low numbers sitting exams in Auckland.   

“The bit that worries me, is that is reveals a culture of achieving basic standards, then cruising, rather than striving for excellence.” 

LISTEN ABOVE