An iwi-led charter school backed by Ngāti Toa Rangatira is set to open in the Wellington region in Term 3, 2026, aiming to expand kaupapa Māori education options for rangatahi.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the new school, Kura Toa, will cater for students in Years 7 to 13, with a focus on improving outcomes for Māori learners.
The school will be based in Porirua, with a final site still under consideration.
Seymour said Kura Toa represents an opportunity to create learning environments better suited to Māori students. He made the comments in an interview with Te Ao Māori News.
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik said the kura reflects a long-term vision to reshape education pathways for iwi across the region.
“Like all Māori, we’re people with the development imperative, and there’s no silver bullet, but the closest thing we’ve got is education,” Modlik said.
He said the iwi has been deliberate in developing new pathways for tamariki and rangatahi.
Kura Toa will operate as a bilingual school and is already being trialled with 24 students. The roll is expected to grow to around 200, with early demand indicating strong interest.
The kura will be supported by Ngāti Toa’s education hub Puna Mātauranga and wraparound service Te Pikau o te Rangi, which focus on wellbeing, cultural identity and tailored support.
Modlik said the charter model allows iwi to exercise greater control over education outcomes and strengthen mana motuhake.
Kura Toa is expected to open in Term 3 next year.
