With five boys aged between 8 and 10, and another on the way, Rose and Tane Woon are on a tight budget.
The blended family comprises a 10-year-old, an 8-year-old, 8-year-old twins and a 7-year-old.
The start of the school year has a big impact, with the stationery bill alone $220.
With the boys attending Carlton School it was a relief that there was no uniform, Mrs Woon said. Staff were very understanding about large families and the expenses involved in education.
"We've paid for the stationery but things like school fees, sports fees, photocopying and all those other payments, we are given time to pay them off."
Mrs Woon said she knew families that struggled could go to Winz and apply for a grant but that was not something they had considered.
"No, we'll manage ... it's pretty hard. But one thing is because we're a blended family, my two boys' father pays for half their expenses, which really helps."
Many families in Wanganui were struggling with school expenses this year, she said.
"I have so many friends who are finding everything so tough.
"We're really lucky because the principal and deputy principal at Carlton really understand.
"You can just go and talk to them and explain, they don't make you feel bad. And I'd much rather do that than go and ask Winz."