The recent structural reforms in New Zealand education have enabled the liberalisation of upper secondary school curricula to the point where schools can devise programmes that lead to nationally recognised vocational qualifications. Strategies include close relationships with further education providers whereby instructional materials or direct instruction for some courses may be provided by the further education provider, and schools gaining accreditation to conduct vocational education programmes. These various programmes are of demonstrated benefit to groups that have traditionally been under-represented in academic success, and may provide a means of addressing the growing problem of boys' underachievement. (Contains 2 tables.)