On 27 February 2016 the New Zealand Herald reported that Auckland Grammar School and Cornwall Park District School requested a payment from parents to participate in the ballot for out-of-zone places.
This resulted in the Ministry of Education issuing an Auckland-wide "critical reminder" to remind principals that they are not allowed to charge for participation in the ballots.
The reminder stated "Administering a ballot for out-of-zone students is considered part of the normal activity of school staff"
Katrina Casey, of the Ministry of Education, also stated that: "We have written to Auckland Grammar School and Cornwall Park District School to explain no payment connected with enrolment could be sought from parents and that schools cannot charge a ballot application fee, or make a fee a condition of enrolment,".