Ball tickets, designer dresses, professional makeup, hair styling and other extras mean prices can soar into the thousands.
It comes as fuel shortages triggered by the Middle East conflict compound a cost-of-living crisis that’s already hurting Kiwi households.
Papakura High principal Simon Craggs said the cost of balls was “escalating out of control” for students and forced the cancellation of his school’s milestone event for two consecutive years.
Craggs said that after the 2023 and 2024 balls were canned because of low ticket sales, staff decided to host the event in one of the school’s gyms last year and capped the ticket price at $90.
Papakura High School kept ball costs down last year by holding the event in one of its gyms and capping tickets at $90. Photo / Supplied
“Our staff worked hard to create a wonderful event for our students, and all who attended were very happy that it was a special occasion.
“We have decided that this is the way we will continue moving forward as it is the best outcome for our students.”
Parents of Ōrewa College students shared online that their children’s ball tickets cost $230 each.
One mum said she would be forced to work overtime to afford to send her twin daughters off on their special night.
Ōrewa College was approached for comment but has yet to respond.
Ministry of Education group manager for standards and support, Helen Hurst, said schools are expected to act as “good financial stewards and consider equity and accessibility” when planning school balls.
“Many schools use fundraising or other support to help with costs.”
Some schools hold mufti days to fundraise for the school ball and lower ticket prices, while others, such as Massey High School in Auckland, offer the opportunity to sponsor a student to attend.
But for many, the cost of attending the ball stretches beyond the ticket price, with outfits, beauty appointments and transport pushing up the total spent.
Parents shell out hundreds of dollars on top of ball tickets for things such as ball dresses, hair and makeup. Photo / File
Herald research found hair styling alone can cost between $80 and $150, and makeup between $90 and $140. Nail appointments add another $50 to $80, bringing beauty prep to an estimated $200 to $350 before the night even begins.
The outfit itself often carries the biggest price tag. At upmarket Auckland boutiques, formal gowns range from $700 to $1700, with some premium styles priced higher, while fast-fashion and high-street retailers offer dresses starting from $80 to $300.
Accessories also add up, with heels ranging from $90 to $270 and clutch bags from $50 to $60.
For boys, ties or bow ties range from $20 to $70 and cufflinks from $45 to $50. Getting to the event can mean another expense, with shared limos or party buses costing $50 to $100 per person when split among friends, while rideshares or carpools are estimated at $20 to $40 each.
Rachel Maher is an investigative reporter covering Auckland issues and education. She started at the Herald as a breaking news journalist in 2022, before joining the Auckland team this year.
Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.