A new Māori-led charter school, Kura Toa, opens in Porirua in 2026 to improve outcomes for Māori students through cultural education and greater autonomy.

A new iwi-led charter school, Kura Toa, will open in Porirua in Term 3 of 2026, serving Māori students in Years 7 to 13. Led by Ngāti Toa through Puna Mātauranga and Te Pikau o te Rangi, the school will use a culturally grounded approach with the Mauriora wellbeing framework to address lower NCEA attainment and higher dropout rates among Māori youth. It will receive state school funding with greater operational flexibility, tied to accountability for results. Part of a government initiative, Kura Toa is one of 21 charter schools planned for 2026, reflecting a push for community-driven educational innovation.