Pakaraka School becomes first state school to convert to charter school
Pakaraka School in Northland has become the first state school in New Zealand to convert into a charter school. The transition, supported by the local community and a charitable trust, aims to build on existing holistic teaching methods while maintaining state-level accountability.
Why it matters
This conversion represents a significant shift in educational policy, testing the viability of charter models within a traditionally state-dominated school system.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour at a charter school stand-up today. Photo / Michael Craig
Pakaraka School in Northland has become the first state school to convert to a charter school.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour said the conversion has been driven by the local community.
“In 2024, the school partnered with a local kindergarten to introduce a Steiner classroom,” Seymour said.
“The programme was successful and attracted more families to the school. Families saw the positive impact this partnership was having on their children and wanted to build further on that approach.”
The same parents who serve on the school’s board of trustees have established a charitable trust called the Society of Holistic Learners to run the school, Seymour said.
A survey conducted by the trust in May found that more than 95% of respondents supported conversion, while no respondents supported remaining a state school.
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