Associate Education Minister, David Seymour, has announced Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will open a charter school in Term 3 2026.
The school, to be called Te Kura o Ngāti Whātua ki Tamaki, takes the total number of charter schools to 20.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today’s announcement demonstrates the innovation enabled by the charter school model,” Mr Seymour says.
“At Te Kura o Ngāti Whātua ki Tamaki, students will participate in real-world learning through iwi-led and city based partnerships. This will include collaborations with Māori businesses, partnerships with universities and tertiary education providers, and international school exchanges.
“Learning will be digitally enabled, utilising AI and emerging technologies. It will also strengthen cultural ties through kapa haka and Ngāti Whātua tikanga.”
Minister Seymour thanked the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board for the work done to get charter schools open.
“They considered 52 applicants for new charter schools. They tell me this round the choices were very difficult.”
“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools,” he said.
