Source: New Zealand Government
Term 3 begins today, and with it the opening of Te Whare Kounga, a new charter school in Wairoa, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today more students can take advantage of that opportunity,” Mr Seymour says.
“Te Papatipu Matihiko is the sponsor of Te Whare Kounga and have been operating an alternative education programme in Wairoa for the last two years. That programme was a huge success. Students and schools were lining up to take part once space opened up. The charter school model has allowed them to meet some of this demand.
“Wairoa has one of the highest rates in the country of young people not in employment, education or training. Te Whare Kounga recognises that mainstream education is failing some children in New Zealand.
“Te Whare Kounga will ensure children in Wairoa have access to all the opportunities associated with a high-quality education. That is what they deserve.
“The school joins a growing number of Māori charter schools: Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao in Northland, Te Kāpehu Whetū and TIPENE in Auckland, Te Kura Awhitu in Ruatahuna and Te Aratika High School in Hastings. In Term 1 next year, they’ll be joined by Ngāti Toa Rangatira-led Kura Toa and Te Kura o Ngāti Whātua ki Tāmaki.
“When it comes to education, one size does not fit all.
“Charter schools show education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table.
“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.
“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.
“This takes the total number of open charter schools to 18.
“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.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/22/new-charter-school-opens-doors/