David Seymour's getting ready to throw the book at the parents of chronically absent kids.  

As the Associate Education Minister, Seymour's been tasked with tackling increasing levels of absenteeism in schools across the country.  

According to Education NZ, just 46% of students met the criteria for regular school attendance in term 3 last year, more than 90% in a term. 

Seymour told Mike Hosking that this is attendance levels are a responsibility that people can be held accountable for. 

He said that there will be sensitivity around those for who a fine won't make much difference beyond causing trouble, but ultimately the point is to hold people accountable. 

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