Education & Reforms Dashboard
Regular attendance is defined as attending more than 90% of the school term. The Government has a target of 80% regular attendance by 2030. Data sourced from Education Counts (published April 2026).
Regular Attendance Trend β Term 1 Each Year (%)
Absence Reasons Breakdown β Term 1 2026 (% of term time)
| Term | Regular (>90%) | Irregular (80β90%) | Moderate (70β80%) | Chronic (β€70%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 2025 | 65.9% | 14.2% | 10.4% | 9.5% |
| Term 2 2025 | ~61.0% | ~14.8% | ~10.9% | ~9.3% |
| Term 3 2025 | 50.3% | ~15.5% | ~11.2% | ~10.0% |
| Term 4 2025 | 57.3% | ~15.0% | ~10.8% | ~9.5% |
| Term 1 2026 | 68.6% | ~13.5% | ~9.8% | ~9.1% |
Note: Term 3 2025 dip was due to a late peak in seasonal respiratory illness (particularly affecting the South Island). T1 2026 data is provisional. Estimated values marked ~.
Attendance Management Plans (AMPs)
From Term 1 2026, all schools must have mandatory AMPs aligned with the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR). Plans describe how schools respond as students cross absence thresholds of 5, 10 or 15 days per term.
Budget 2025 Investment
$140 million over four years for improved attendance services. New case management systems, better data monitoring, and new contracts for Attendance Service providers launched Term 1 2026. Nearly double the number of students can now be supported.
ERO Warning (Oct 2024)
The Education Review Office described chronic absence as reaching "crisis levels." Around 80,000 students were chronically absent in Term 2 2024 β one in 10 students missing more than 30% of class time, double the figure from 10 years ago.
The National-led Government launched a major curriculum reset from 2024, with a new maths curriculum (Term 1 2025), refreshed English/literacy (Term 1 2026), and science/other subjects from Term 4 2025. A new secondary qualification system is replacing NCEA from 2028.
Year 6 Maths Achievement β % at or above expectations
Budget 2026 Curriculum Investment Breakdown ($m)
Structured Literacy Introduced
National focus on structured literacy for teaching reading. New literacy resources distributed. NCEA co-requisite (literacy/numeracy) became mandatory for NCEA qualifications (with transition pathways until 2027).
New Maths Curriculum Launched (1 Year Early)
Updated Mathematics and Statistics Years 0β10 curriculum deployed. Harder, more rigorous content. Resources ordered by schools via Salesforce. 98% of schools adopted by end of 2025.
All Learning Areas Released
English, Te Reo Rangatira, Mathematics, PΔngarau, and all other learning areas published for Years 0β10 from 28 October 2025. Science and other subjects also released for schools to begin implementation.
English & Maths Curriculum Mandatory
New English and Mathematics learning areas (Years 0β10) required for use from Term 1 2026. New standardised reporting for Years 0β10 parents also introduced with grades-based progress reports.
Secondary Curriculum & Qualifications Transition
New NZ School Curriculum rolled out for secondary. NCEA Levels 2 & 3 run alongside new NZCE/NZACE certificates. Budget 2026 allocates $61m for NZ School Curriculum resources and $20m teacher training. NCEA Level 1 being phased out.
New National Qualifications Replace NCEA
NZCE (Year 12) and NZACE (Year 13) fully replace NCEA Levels 2 & 3. Foundational Skills Award for Year 11 replaces NCEA Level 1. New standards aligned to the new curriculum. NCEA co-requisite alternative pathways end; dedicated standards only from 2028.
π΄ Curriculum Change Overload β Teacher & Principal Concerns
By late 2025, every major national organisation representing teachers and principals had spoken out against some aspect of the reforms. Canterbury and other regional principals' associations published open letters to Erica Stanford, citing the pace and scale of change as "overwhelming and unreasonable." Teachers reported curriculums felt rushed. Stanford acknowledged concerns but stated teachers "should make a start." Source: RNZ, November 2025.
π Te Tiriti o Waitangi β 800+ School Boards Pledge
Following legislative changes removing the obligation to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the curriculum, over 800 school boards publicly pledged to continue honouring the Treaty. This became a significant public controversy, with widespread community and teacher opposition to the removal. Source: RNZ, 2025.
π΄ NCEA Literacy/Numeracy Co-requisite β Equity Concerns
Pilot testing showed only ~55β64% of students passing the mandatory online tests. Failure rates were far higher for MΔori (71β77%) and Pacific students (56β77%). The Secondary Principals' Association called for a rethink, noting it was "exacerbating the equity gap." The co-requisite transition period was extended to end of 2027 to allow more time. Source: NZ Herald, August 2024; NZCER 2023.
π’ Early Maths Results Encouraging β But Long Way to Go
CIPS data released May 2026 showed a statistically significant 6% improvement in Year 6 maths (2024β2025) and 5% in writing. Year 3 students more than 1 year behind fell from 45% to 38%. Minister Stanford noted these were "encouraging" early results but cautioned that "achievement levels are still far below where we want them to be." Source: NZ Herald, May 2026.
π Secondary Curriculum Concerns β Subject Associations Critical
Teacher subject associations criticised recently published secondary curriculums, with concerns about content quality and implementation timelines. ERO found that while most schools were using new curricula, they were not yet teaching enough complex maths (algebra, probability). Source: RNZ, 2025.
The Ministry of Education funds school transport for eligible students under a distance-based eligibility model. Students are generally eligible if they live beyond a set distance from their nearest appropriate school, and there is no suitable public transport alternative.
Who Is Eligible for School Transport?
Students living beyond a set distance from their nearest appropriate school (typically 3.2km for primary, 4.8km for secondary). The key rule is proximity to the nearest school β not the preferred school. If a student is closer to a different school, they may be ineligible for transport to their chosen one.
Why Students Often Miss Out
If a regional council runs public transport (buses) on a route that could theoretically be used by students, the MoE may deem students ineligible for funded school buses, even if the public service is inadequate for the number of students, runs at wrong times, or lacks capacity.
Funding Split
School transport funding comes from Vote Education (Ministry of Education). Where public transport exists, responsibility can shift to Regional Councils (funded by NZTA/rates). This creates a funding gap that councils must decide whether to fill β impacting local ratepayers.
Scale of School Transport
Over 30% of NZ students rely on school buses to get to school daily (MoE figure). In Palmerston North alone, 600β650 students were using Ministry-funded buses each day at peak, with around 250 travelling from Ashhurst daily.
π Case Study: Ashhurst β Palmerston North School Buses
MoE Review Deems Ashhurst Students Ineligible
The Ministry reviewed funded school bus routes around the country. Students travelling from Ashhurst to secondary schools in Palmerston North were found ineligible because Horizons Regional Council runs public transport between the two towns β even though the capacity was insufficient for school students.
Community Protests & Council Declines
Community organised protests (July 2025). Horizons Regional Council voted twice to decline funding additional school bus services. Only one public bus (50 passengers maximum, standing) ran at a feasible time from Ashhurst β completely inadequate for 250+ students.
MoE Transitional Services Announced
Following community pressure, the MoE confirmed funding 7 transitional buses from Ashhurst to specific Palmerston North schools from the start of 2026. This was described as a transitional arrangement while a long-term solution was negotiated with Horizons.
Horizons Council Votes to Fund Services
The newly elected Horizons Regional Council voted to fund high school bus services between Ashhurst and Palmerston North from mid-2026. Council Chair Nikki Riley noted the MoE would provide co-funding until June 2027, with hopes for NZTA Waka Kotahi funding thereafter. Students required to pay fares capped at ~$10.40/week.
Data from the MoE Teacher Demand and Supply Planning Projection 2025 and Education Counts. NZ now has more qualified teachers than in the last 20 years, yet significant regional and subject-specific shortages persist.
Teacher Vacancy Count β January Each Year
Secondary Teacher Shortage by Subject Area (2025)
| Region | Primary Outlook | Secondary Outlook | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northland | β7% short | Shortage | Rural challenges, isolation |
| Bay of Plenty | β7% short | Shortage | Roll growth pressure |
| Nelson/Tasman | β7% short | Shortage | Housing, cost of living |
| Taranaki | Balanced | β6% short | Hardest-hit secondary region |
| Otago | Balanced | β4% short | Competition with tertiary |
| Auckland Central/South | Surplus | β4% short | Urban competition, housing costs |
| Waikato / ManawatΕ«βWhanganui | LAT reliance β | Shortage | Increasing use of Limited Authority to Teach |
| Kaupapa MΔori / Kura | Persistent shortage | Persistent shortage | Te reo MΔori qualified teachers very scarce |
School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP)
Trains classroom-ready teachers within secondary schools for those not in traditional ITE programmes. Budget 2024 established SOTP with 147 places; Budget 2025 expanded to 1,861 places over 4 years. Addresses non-traditional pathways into teaching.
Overseas Relocation Grant
Eligible returning and international teachers can access up to NZD $10,000 relocation grants. Overseas applications for NZ teaching positions have increased significantly, though the number of suitable applicants per position remains low.
Teacher Bonding Scheme (2025)
Launched in 2025 to provide additional financial incentives for 185 teachers to take up roles in eligible priority staffing schools in hard-to-staff regions. Designed to address persistent rural and regional shortages.
TeachNZ Scholarships
Multiple scholarship streams including Te Huarau, Te Huawhiti, Te Waka Whakarei, Te Tipu Whakarito and Iwi MΔori Scholarships, plus employment-based ITE programmes (Poutuarongo Whaakaakoranga Wharekura, Te AhikΔroa).
π PPTA: Historical Lows in NZ Applicants
PPTA Te Wehengarua's 2025 Staffing Survey found only 0.83 suitable NZ applicants per classroom position β a historical low. Secondary subject shortages remain acute in maths, science, technology, English and Te Reo MΔori. While overseas interest has increased, suitability rates from overseas applicants also remain a challenge. Source: PPTA, 2025.
Budget 2026 provides significant capital and operating investment to grow and maintain the school property portfolio, including new classrooms, new school sites, and property maintenance.
Budget 2026 School Property Investment Breakdown ($m)
Annual School Property Capital Investment Trend ($m, approximate)
Post-cyclone School Rebuilds
Significant investment in rebuilding and repairing schools damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay and TairΔwhiti. Ministry commenced restoration programme for affected school communities.
New School Builds in High-Growth Areas
Several new schools opened in Auckland, Hamilton and other high-growth areas to address roll growth. Budget 2024 included capital for additional classrooms. Classroom construction costs noted to be significantly higher than historical norms.
Learning Support Satellite Classrooms
Budget 2025 included $90 million capital for approximately 25 new learning support satellite classrooms across the specialist school network, providing around 225 new student places. Also funded property modifications for accessibility.
Budget 2026 β Major Property Package
$491.9m capex over 4 years. Up to 232 additional classrooms, up to 10 school redevelopments, and land acquisition for new schools in high-growth areas including Queenstown. $21m specifically for kaupapa MΔori education property.
Queenstown Lakes
Identified as a priority area for land acquisition and new school sites due to rapid population growth. Budget 2026 explicitly references Queenstown as a high-growth priority area for new classroom capacity.
Auckland (Sub-regional)
Auckland Central, South and North now tracked separately in MoE planning. Significant roll growth requiring new classrooms. Urban growth intensifies competition for suitable school sites and drives higher construction costs.
Kaupapa MΔori / Te Kura
$21 million within Budget 2026 property investment is specifically for kaupapa MΔori education. Persistent shortages of both teachers and facilities in this sector are being addressed with targeted investment.
Budget 2025 delivered the largest-ever boost to learning support in a generation ($645.8m opex + $100.9m capex). Budget 2026 added a further $268m opex for students with specific needs. Demand-driven ORS funding now ensures all eligible students are supported.
Learning Support Funding Trend ($billion/year, operating)
Budget 2026 Student Support Breakdown ($m, over 4 years)
| Initiative | Budget 2026 Funding | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| High Health Needs (teacher aides) | $22 million (opex, 4 years) | Support students with significant health conditions to attend school |
| ESOL Programme Expansion | $10 million (opex, 4 years) | Additional 12,000 students; total ESOL budget now $73m/year |
| Deaf Education Services | $3 million (opex, 4 years) | +31 First Signs places; β6 week waitlist; 20 more NZSL hub students |
| ORS & Specialist Support | Within broader $268m package | Demand-driven model continued; funding tied to formal growth forecasts |
| Ready to Learn (new initiative) | Pilot funding (amount TBC) | Support children/young people to attend and engage at school more fully |
| Learning Support Property Modifications | Within $491.9m capex (property) | Schools more accessible to learners with additional needs |
Learning Support Coordinators (LSC)
Budget 2025 funded ~650 new LSC full-time equivalents across ~1,250 additional schools with Years 1β8 students over 3 years. LSCs help coordinate support for students with additional needs within schools.
Teacher Aide Hours
Building up to over 2 million additional teacher aide hours per year from 2028. In 2025, 612,120 additional teacher aide hours were already being delivered as an early result of Budget 2025 investment.
Satellite Classrooms
$90m capital for ~25 new learning support satellite classrooms across the specialist school network, providing ~225 new student places. These classrooms sit within mainstream schools, enabling students to learn alongside peers.
Early Intervention Service (EIS)
Budget 2025 increased support for more than 7,100 children enrolled in EIS. Budget included additional 900,000 teacher aide hours/year by 2028 specifically for young learners in EIS, plus expanded specialist staffing.
π Schools Still Struggling Despite Funding (April 2026)
Despite the historic Budget 2025 investment, schools reported in April 2026 they were not yet seeing significant impact. NZEI member Conor Fraser noted challenges include difficulty accessing the right personnel to support ORS applications: "That can be a challenging position for them." MoE Deputy Secretary Bridget White acknowledged the change-over takes time but said the shift to demand-driven ORS funding ensures eligible students will be supported. Source: Newstalk ZB, April 2026.
Budget 2026 was released on 22 May 2026. It delivered a $1.6 billion boost in operating funding for schooling and early childhood education, with major investments in curriculum reform, school property, learning support and the workforce.
Budget 2026 β Key Education Investment Areas ($m)
Funding Categories
- School Property ($558.5m)
- Literacy & Maths ($131m)
- Operational Grants ($160m)
- Learning Support ($268m)
- School Lunches ($212.4m)
- Secondary Curriculum ($61m)
- Teacher Training ($20m)
- Industry Subjects ($15m)
| Initiative | Funding | Period | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching the Basics Brilliantly Phase 2 | $131m | 4 years | Maths kits, writing tools, 36 intervention teachers, 3 maths hubs, workbooks |
| School Property (Capex) | $491.9m | 4 years | ~232 classrooms, up to 10 school redevelopments, land for new schools |
| School Property (Opex) | $66.6m | 4 years | Maintenance and operations |
| Operational Grants Increase | $160.4m | 4 years | 2% increase; teacher salaries, non-teaching staff, curriculum delivery |
| Learning Support (Specific Needs) | $268m | 4 years | ORS, ESOL (+$10m), High Health Needs ($22m), Deaf Education ($3m) |
| NZ School Curriculum Resources | $61m | 4 years | Resources for new secondary curriculum and qualifications |
| Teacher Training (new curriculum) | $20m | 4 years | Train 32,000 teachers in NZ School Curriculum and new qualifications |
| Industry-Led Subjects | $15m | 4 years | At least 8 new subjects (primary industries, construction, etc.) |
| Ka Ora Ka Ako (School Lunches) | $212.4m | 2 years | Continues free lunches programme until 2027/28 |
| Kaupapa MΔori Education Property | $21m | 4 years | Within school property capex β targeted kaupapa MΔori |
| Ready to Learn (pilot) | TBC | Pilot | New initiative to improve attendance and school engagement |
| NZQA Investment | TBC | 4 years | Delivery support for new qualifications; modern assessment |
Vote Education Approximate Annual Operating Appropriation ($billion)
π’ NCEA to Be Replaced β Major Secondary Reform
Budget 2026 funds the replacement of NCEA with new national qualifications. NCEA Level 1 is being phased out, replaced by a Foundational Skills Award. NCEA Levels 2 & 3 will become the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) and NZ Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) from 2029/2030. $61m for curriculum resources and $20m for teacher training support the rollout. Source: Beehive, NZ Herald, Budget 2026.
π Opposition Questions Funding Source
Labour education spokesperson Ginny Andersen said parents "had a right to know" where the $131m literacy/maths package was coming from. The Budget includes $65 million in reprioritised (redirected) funding within Vote Education. Berhampore School principal and NZEI former president Mark Potter said it was "too early to say whether the funding would make a difference." Source: 1News, NZ Herald, May 2026.
Charter schools (officially Kura Hourua) are state-funded but privately operated schools, run by a sponsor under a performance-based Crown contract. They are free for students to attend, receive broadly equivalent per-student funding to state schools, but have significantly more flexibility in curriculum, staffing qualifications, pay rates, governance and school organisation. They are subject to triennial ERO reviews and can be terminated for poor performance or financial mismanagement.
Legislation Passed β National/ACT Coalition
Partnership Schools | Kura Hourua legalised as part of National/ACT confidence and supply arrangement. David Seymour (ACT) championed the policy. Charter schools could set their own curriculum, hire unregistered teachers, and set their own terms and pay.
First Schools Open
Five initial charter schools opened. Schools included Pacific Advance Secondary School, South Auckland Middle School, Te KΔpehu WhetΕ« (Whangarei), Middle School West Auckland, and Te Rangihakahaka Centre for Science and Technology (Rotorua). Ministry of Education spent approximately $89.3m implementing the programme over its life.
Te Kura Hourua ki Whangaruru Contract Terminated
The NgΔ Parirau MΔtauranga Charitable Trust's school near WhangΔrei had its contract terminated due to contractual breaches. The school had taken in $5.2m in government funding, with reports of operating from a paddock using Portaloos, only one certificated teacher, and persistent underachievement.
ERO Review Published & Labour Abolishes Charter Schools
ERO published its review of partnership schools, finding variable results β some positive engagement outcomes but mixed academic results. In October 2017, the incoming Labour-led coalition government announced abolition of the charter school model. All 12 remaining schools transitioned to state-integrated or designated character schools by September 2018.
Reinstatement Pledged β National/ACT/NZ First Coalition
The new coalition government committed to reinstating charter schools as part of the coalition agreement. David Seymour (ACT), as Associate Education Minister with responsibility for charter schools, said first schools could open in Term 1 2025.
Charter School Agency Established
The Charter School Agency | Te Tari Kura Hourua established on 1 July 2024 as a departmental agency hosted within the Ministry of Education. The Charter School Authorisation Board was also set up to approve Sponsors for new and converting charter schools.
Legislation Passed β Education and Training Amendment
Parliament passed legislation reestablishing charter schools on 25 September 2024. Budget 2024 allocated $153m over four years for up to 15 new charter schools and conversion of up to 35 state schools.
First New-Model Charter Schools Open
Seven charter schools opened in Term 1 2025 with 215 students enrolled. Enrolments grew to 427 by September 2025 across eight schools as further schools opened. Some schools were turning families away β Twin Oaks Classical School filled its 60 places and built a waiting list of 200.
16 Schools, 1,471 Students β Exceeds First-Era Peak
March 2026 roll return showed 1,471 students in 16 schools β surpassing the six-year peak of the first programme (1,441 students in 11 schools). Associate Minister Seymour announced a further 4 schools were scheduled to open later in 2026. North West College (Auckland) moved to a bigger building to accommodate growth; waiting lists reported at multiple schools.
Source: Charter School Agency directory (charterschools.govt.nz), updated 2026. Schools marked * expected to open Term 3 2026 or later.
| School β | Location β | Year Levels β | Type / Focus β | Region β | Opened β |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aotearoa Infinite Academy | Distance (online) | Yrs 9β13 | Distance / online access | Nationwide | 2025 |
| Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao | Cable Bay, MangΕnui | Yrs 1β10 | Full Te reo MΔori immersion, kaupapa MΔori | Northland | 2025 |
| Γcole FranΓ§aise Internationale Auckland | Remuera, Auckland | Yrs 1β13 (currently 1β5) | Bilingual French-English | Auckland | 2025 |
| North West College | Henderson, Auckland | Yrs 7β13 (currently 7β10) | Creative and visual arts | Auckland | 2025 |
| Sisters United Academy | Manukau, Auckland | Yrs 9β13 | Pasifika girls' secondary school | Auckland | 2025 |
| Te KΔpehu WhetΕ« TΔmaki | Auckland Central | Yrs 11β13 | Te Reo MΔori navigation-based framework | Auckland | 2025 |
| The BUSY School NZ | Auckland Central | Yrs 11β13 | Supporting students into employment | Auckland | 2025 |
| The Forest School | Hatfields Beach, Auckland | Yrs 1β8 | Reggio Emilia, outdoor immersion | Auckland | 2025 |
| TIPENE | Bombay, South Auckland | Yrs 9β12 (boarding) | Boys' school, TIPENE pedagogy / kaupapa MΔori | Auckland | 2025 |
| TΕtara Point School | Parnell, Auckland | Yrs 1β6 | Education in partnership with family/whΔnau | Auckland | 2025 |
| Twin Oaks Classical School | Greenlane, Auckland | Yrs 1β13 (currently 1β10) | Hybrid: 3 days campus, 2 days home learning | Auckland | 2025 |
| Te Kura Awhitu | Minginui, Bay of Plenty | Yrs 1β13 | Composite, rural community focus | Bay of Plenty | 2025 |
| Te Aratika High School | Hastings, Hawke's Bay | Yrs 7β13 | Comprehensive MΔori pedagogical approach | Hawke's Bay | 2025 |
| Altum Classical Academy | Wilton, Wellington | Yrs 7β13 (currently 7β9) | Classical academic, Trivium, Christian values | Wellington | 2025 |
| New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa | Trentham, Upper Hutt | Yrs 11β13 | Learning through sport | Wellington | 2025 |
| Christchurch North College | Burnside, Christchurch | Yrs 7β12 | Fresh start for students who found traditional education challenging | Canterbury | 2025 |
| Mastery Schools NZ β Arapaki | Hillsborough, Christchurch | Yrs 1β8 | Students with learning needs, mastery-based | Canterbury | 2025 |
| Te Kura o NgΔti WhΔtua ki TΔmaki * | Auckland | Yrs 9β13 | NgΔti WhΔtua iwi-based secondary | Auckland | Expected T3 2026 |
| Te Whare Kounga * | Wairoa, Hawke's Bay | Yrs 7β13 | MΔori-focused secondary | Hawke's Bay | Expected T3 2026 |
| Kura Toa * | Porirua, Wellington | Yrs 7β13 | Community secondary school | Wellington | Expected T1 2027 |
| Encompass Education Hub (Auckland + Wellington) * | TBC | Yrs 9β13 | Autistic and neurodivergent students | Auckland/Wellington | Expected T1 2027 |
* Italicised rows: schools approved but not yet open. Source: charterschools.govt.nz, June 2026.
β οΈ Important caveat: Charter schools in the current model have only been operating since 2025. No full-year NCEA or attendance data for the 2025 cohort are yet publicly available. The comparison data below uses 2014β2018 first-era results and the current national NZQA 2025 averages for context. Where charter-specific 2025/26 data is unavailable, this is clearly noted.
Chart A β Regular Attendance 2025: Charter vs State Schools (%)
Chart B β Per-Student Funding: Charter vs State (2024 formula, $NZD)
Chart C β Enrolment Growth: First 7 Charter Schools (T1 2025 β March 2026)
2025-era charter schools have not yet produced NCEA results β the first cohort enrolled in secondary programmes in 2025 will not sit NCEA until 2027 at the earliest. Attendance figures for 2025-era charter schools come from the Beehive March 2026 roll return release. First-era figures are from MoE/ERO reporting (2014β2018).
| Metric | First-Era Charter (2014β2018) | 2025 Charter Schools | State Schools (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Attendance (>90% of term) | Often >90% in some schools | 59.7% | 58.0% |
| NCEA Level 2 Pass Rate | ~68β75% (variable) | No data yet (2027+) | 72.7% |
| NCEA Level 3 Pass Rate | ~55β65% (mixed evidence) | No data yet (2027+) | 70.4% |
| University Entrance | Not published | No data yet | 49.9% |
| Teacher registration required | β Not mandatory | β Not mandatory | β Mandatory |
| OIA transparency | β Not subject to OIA | β Not subject to OIA | β OIA applies |
βΉοΈ Why Direct Comparisons Are Difficult
Charter schools tend to serve niche populations (MΔori-medium, Pasifika, alternative pedagogy, neurodivergent students) that are not well-served by standard state schools. This makes decile or EQI-matched comparisons complex. Small roll sizes mean statistical noise is high. The current cohort (2025+) has not yet completed NCEA β no comparative outcome data is available. The first-era programme (2014β2018) had mixed results: some schools showed strong attendance and engagement gains; academic achievement was variable; and at least one school was terminated for mismanagement. Source: MoE Priority Δkonga close-out report (2019), Grokipedia synthesis (2026).
Per-Student Operational Funding
Charter School Agency modelling (April 2026) shows charter schools receive slightly less per student than equivalent state schools: $8,278 vs $8,762 (primary) and $10,741 vs $11,040 (secondary) using the same Ministry formula. However, charter schools can also accept private donations, and received $6.3m in one-off establishment funding in 2024/25.
Total Programme Cost
Budget 2024 allocated $153 million over four years β less than 1% of annual MoE operating expenditure (Maxim Institute, 2025). Actual spend to 30 June 2025 was $16.97m, well under the allocated amount as school openings ramped up gradually. Sponsors received $10.9m in 2024/25 including $6.3m in one-off establishment grants.
Bulk Grant Model
Charter schools receive a bulk operational grant (not tagged by category, unlike state school funding streams). This gives flexibility in how money is spent but also limits transparency on resource allocation. Sponsors are accountable to the Charter School Agency under their contracts.
State School Conversion β Stalled
Budget 2024 envisaged up to 35 existing state schools converting to charter status. As of mid-2025, only six expressions of interest had been received from state schools β far short of the 35 target. Conversion requires sponsor, community and authorisation board approval, and the process has proven more complex than anticipated.
β Arguments in Favour
Parental choice & diversity: Charter schools serve communities the state system doesn't cater to well β MΔori-medium, Pasifika, classical, alternative pedagogies, online, neurodivergent students. Demand evidence: waitlists at multiple schools, and roll growth of over 200% in the first seven schools. Accountability for outcomes: Schools can be terminated if they don't meet contract KPIs β arguably stricter than state school accountability. Lower cost per head than equivalent state schools (per MoE formula). Innovation: Schools like Twin Oaks (hybrid learning), TIPENE (boarding kaupapa MΔori boys' school) and Encompass (autism-focused) fill genuine gaps. Sources: Beehive April 2026; Maxim Institute 2025; B2B News April 2026.
π΄ Arguments Against
Teacher qualification exemptions: No requirement for registered teachers. PPTA, NZEI and the Teaching Council argue this risks quality and child safety, and undermines the teaching profession. OIA exemption: Charter schools are not subject to the Official Information Act β limiting public scrutiny of spending and outcomes. Risk of cherry-picking: Critics warn charter schools could attract more engaged families, skewing apparent results. State school conversion power: Associate Minister can require state schools to convert even without community consent β a serious accountability concern raised by PPTA and NZEI. First-era failures: At least one school (Te Kura Hourua ki Whangaruru) was terminated after significant mismanagement and student underachievement. Sources: PPTA submission 2024; The Spinoff 2024; NZ Herald Listener 2024; AEC NZ 2024.
π ERO Findings (Historical β Current Era Not Yet Reviewed)
ERO's 2015 and 2017 reviews of the first-era partnership schools found: improved student engagement and attendance in some schools; positive parent relationships; but mixed academic outcomes, governance challenges, and inconsistency across schools. The 2015 review found some schools had very small rolls making evaluation difficult. No ERO review of the new 2025-era charter schools has yet been published. Charter schools are subject to triennial ERO review under their contracts. Sources: ERO Partnership Schools reviews 2015, 2017; MoE Priority Δkonga close-out report 2019.
π Education System Reform Bill β Next Stage (2025β2026)
The Education System Reform Bill (submissions closed January 2026) includes provisions to "support the next stage of the charter school model." This may expand the model further, strengthen accountability, and potentially further enable state school conversions. Details of final legislation not yet confirmed as at June 2026. Source: MoE, December 2025.