Five new charter schools are set to open in 2025. Proponents praise the schools’ flexibility in curriculum and funding use, but critics argue this approach diverts resources from public education.
Charter schools were originally introduced under John Key’s National government, but were shut down when Labour came to power.
With the ACT Party pushing their reintroduction, the schools face potential closure again if Labour wins in 2026.
Former Education Minister Jan Tinetti said, “Labour has got rid of these before, and we will get rid of them again… because they are bad for young people and bad for their learning.”
Educator Alwyn Poole described the situation at the time as “political ping pong.”
This time critics, including education unions, argue that the $153m allocated to charter schools could be better spent on public education resources, such as teacher aides.
Liam Rutherford of NZEI Te Riu Roa stated that such funding could provide 700 additional aides, significantly impacting classroom outcomes.
Similarly, the Post Primary Teachers’ Association has launched an online campaign opposing charter schools, calling them a step toward “privatising the public education system.”
However, Poole, who had applications for new charter schools rejected, accused the government of unfair selection processes.
Academics have also suggested the charter schools represent “privatisation by stealth.”