More Kiwis have low numeracy skills (19 per cent) than high numeracy skills (15 per cent). Adults with high literacy skills make up 16 per cent of New Zealanders, compared to 12 per cent of adults who have low literacy skills. Kiwis' skills in literacy, numeracy and problem solving have been tested and compared with people in 32 other OECD countries. NUMERACYNew Zealand's average numeracy score of 271 was in the middle of OECD nations, above Australia but behind 12 other countries. Problem solving scores edged up from the 16-24 age group to peak at those aged 25-34, before steadily dropping.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 28, 2016 09:00 UTC