Coins & Notes
New Zealand money comes in different coins and notes — each worth a different amount.
New Zealand coins
New Zealand uses five coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. Each one is worth a different amount, and it's worth learning them by their value — not just how they look.
A bigger coin isn't always worth more
It's the number on the coin that matters, not its size. For example:
New Zealand notes
For bigger amounts, New Zealand uses notes instead of coins: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
Counting money
Once you know the values, counting money is just adding them together.
Money has value, not just pieces
What matters is the value, not how many coins or notes you're holding.
They look completely different, but they're worth exactly the same amount. That idea matters later too — it's the same reason $1 in a bank account is still real money, even though it doesn't look like a coin.
Making change
Can you make it?
Grab some real coins if you have them, and have a go before checking an answer.
Can you make $3?
One way: $2 + $1. Another way: three $1 coins.
Can you make $5 in two different ways?
Try one $5 note, or $2 + $2 + $1 — both equal $5.
Can you make $7 using coins and notes?
One way: a $5 note + a $2 coin. There are other combinations too — see how many you can find.
For different ages
Younger children
- Identify each coin
- Recognise their values
- Count simple amounts
Older children
- Combine different coins and notes
- Make the same amount in different ways
- Work out simple change
- Compare prices
Give your child a small handful of real coins, and ask them to:
- Sort the coins.
- Identify each value.
- Count how much they have altogether.
- Try making different amounts with the coins.
Everyday moments work well for this too — no need to set aside a lot of money:
Where to next
Now that coins and notes make sense, you've already covered the first few Money Basics lessons:
For the full real-world system this is based on — $5 a week, physical jars, and a savings goal your child chooses — see the pocket-money guide.
Next lesson: Counting Money
Now that you know your coins and notes, let's put them together and count.