This study was based upon the researchers involvement with a truancy programme operating in Otara South Auckland. It was generally considered by the community of Otara, that the issue of truancy appeared to be getting worse. Unfortunately, there was no solid evidence and data to substantiate the community's perspective. More than just a statistic gathering exercise, this study sought to gain an understanding of the causes for truancy. There were stories to be told by truanting students and it was through their experiences that themes would emerge for further study and consideration. Beyond the causes were the interventions to such behaviour. The effectiveness of the strategies implemented to intervene this behaviour was particularly important to this study if future truanting behaviour was to be responded to by students, parents, teachers, schools, community and volunteer groups, and government agencies. The literature from international and local sources provided information of other studies on truancy. Comparisons were able to made with other interventions of previous research work on truancy and the interventions designed for the ten participants in this study. It is clear from the increasing literature on this subject that truancy is a global issue that all communities and educational institutions need to address.
