It’s the day many Kiwi students have been dreading (or perhaps ignoring): NCEA results day. 

Whether they're logging in to find a string of Excellences or just relieved the previous school year is finally in the rearview mirror, there's a silver lining waiting.

To celebrate the massive effort of getting through the year, Nando’s are shouting a free lunch to students across the motu today.

How to claim the free feed

Year 11, 12, or 13 students can head down to a participating restaurant from 10:00 am today (Wednesday, 14 January) to fuel up.

The first 100 students through the door at each location will score a 1/4 Peri-Peri chicken, regular chips, and a Coke Zero on the house. You don't need to show your results or prove you passed a single external; you just need to bring your valid student ID.

It’s about the mahi, not just the marks

This isn't just for the academic overachievers. It’s about acknowledging the grind it takes to actually finish a school year. Between the exams, the internals, and trying to balance life outside the classroom, NCEA is a huge commitment.

"NCEA results day can come with a lot of pressure," Tom Blackburn from Nando’s ANZ says. 

"We wanted to recognise the effort students put in across the board. If you showed up and gave it a crack last year, this one’s on us."

Where to go The offer is running at selected spots nationwide. If you're near one of these, you'll want to get in early:

• Auckland: St Lukes & Takanini

• Wellington: Courtenay Place

• Christchurch: Riccarton

• Hamilton: Te Rapa (The Base)

• Bay of Plenty: Rotorua & Bayfair (Mt Maunganui)

Regardless of what the NZQA login says today, you’ve made it through the year - and that deserves some celebratory kai.