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Explainer - An attempt to turn an Auckland school into a charter school without the school staff's involvement has fired up debate.
The move has surprised many, with some calling it a "takeover" attempt of a public school. But public school conversions are allowed as part of the process around designating charter schools, which have been recently reintroduced.
Here's how charter school conversions can work.
What's happening in Kelston?
A group called Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust (BEWT) put forward an application to convert Kelston Boys' High School into a charter school by 1 January 2026.
The group is led by a former board member, Siaosi Gavet. The trust says it is a "by youth, for youth" charity with a board made up of Pasifika and Mฤori under the age of 25.
Gavet is chief executive and co-founder of Pro-Pare Management Trust, a youth development service for young people who like sport.
He earlier told RNZ a charter school would give more flexibility to better influence curriculum and resources.
"Basically with more freedom to operate within a modern learning environment," he said.
In its application the group says conversion would solve "the continuing fall in educational attainment at Kelston Boys' High School".
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