Over the past five years, the number of rule breaches in NCEA and scholarship examinations by Otago and Southland pupils has increased from seven in 2015 to 30 in 2018.
However, the numbers decreased during last year’s exams, to 21.
It reflects a nationwide trend, where numbers dropped from 407 in 2018 to 345 last year.
NZQA assessment deputy chief executive Kristine Kilkelly said potential breaches of examination rules were usually reported by markers, schools or examination centre managers.
The authority then investigated reports using a confidential process and handled potential breaches using the guiding principles of natural justice.
The majority of breaches in last year’s examinations related to pupils failing to follow instructions, such as not taking cellphones or notes into the examination room, she said.
Other breaches included using inappropriate drawings or language in an exam paper, having unauthorised material in the exam room and communicating with another exam candidate.
"Twelve Otago candidates were sent a warning letter but had their results for that examination session released. Two candidates’ breach investigations were not upheld," she said.
"Seven Southland candidates were sent a warning letter but had their results for that examination session released."
Otago Secondary Principals’ Association president Linda Miller could not explain the sudden drop in investigations, or the fact none of them were upheld.
"I really don’t know, if I’m honest.
"When we have had breaches in the past, it’s generally been a kid who’s desperate — they’re desperate to pass for whatever reason, and so they’ve done something silly.
"I’m wondering if it’s just that the NZQA rules around invigilation have become more stringent, because none of the investigations were upheld.
"Most of the breaches appeared to be unintentional."
Many pupils were so preoccupied with their impending exam, they often forgot they still had things such as study notes or cellphones in their pockets, she said.
"Maybe the continual drilling on the rules is starting to have an impact.
"It could be that schools are being more stringent in ensuring students are well informed about exam protocols.
"The main point is, the number of breaches is very low."
"It’s pretty rare. Only 0.03% of exam candidates [nationwide] are investigated, which is tiny really."
Ms Kilkelly agreed.
"Having observed the trend over a number of years, the vast majority of students work very hard to prepare for their exams and they observe all the rules.
"This was also the case for 2019."
Exam Breaches
| Otago | Southland | Nationwide | |
| 2015 | 5 | 2 | 305 |
| 2016 | 6 | 4 | 338 |
| 2017 | 17 | 4 | 379 |
| 2018 | 17 | 13 | 407 |
| 2019 | 14 | 7 | 345 |
