Arte, speak to the school you want to go to about what happens if you apply early, and what criteria will be used for selecting out of zone children (there should be some sort of tier of priorities). Alternatively if they have a kindergarten/preschool attached, find out what happens to kids who have been to that kindy.

I guess the other way to think about it is whether DH can preserve his job here but live elsewhere. I know that sounds naive cos I know how much empty space there is between places in NZ but are there any other living arrangements you could make where DH commutes somehow (trying to think outside the box here). I most definitely would *not* settle on sending my child to the school with issues.

Yeah but definitely speak to the headmaster at the better school first rather than speculating about what your chances are of getting DS in there.