Charter schools and Kelston Boys' bid

The story so far

In October 2025, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced that three new charter schools would open in Term One of 2026: the online Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Te Aratika High School in Hawke's Bay, and Altum Academy in Wellington.^{14 Oct 2025} A fourth new school, the sport-focused NZ Performance Academy Aotearoa in Upper Hutt, was also scheduled to open in Term One 2026, offering academic education alongside football and rugby training.^{20 Oct 2025} The Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust applied to convert Auckland's Kelston Boys' High School into a charter school from early 2026, but the school's board and principal did not support the bid.^{29 Oct 2025; 6 Nov 2025} The trust and a former board member said they were facing abuse and had stopped taking feedback on the proposal.^{30 Oct 2025} In November, Seymour called it a mistake that a charter school contract had been signed with a trust not listed on the Charities Register, though the Upper Hutt school was still expected to open as planned.^{13 Nov 2025}

What's next

Altum Academy, Te Aratika High School and Aotearoa Infinite Academy are scheduled to open in Term One 2026.^{14 Oct 2025} The NZ Performance Academy Aotearoa is expected to open as planned in Term One 2026, despite the contracting error.^{20 Oct 2025; 13 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 14 Oct 2025Seymour announces three new charter schools to open in Term One 2026.
2. 29 Oct 2025Bangerz trust applies to convert Kelston Boys' High School; school does not support it.
3. 6 Nov 2025Kelston Boys' High School board formally opposes the charter school takeover bid.
4. 13 Nov 2025Charter contract signed with a trust not on the Charities Register; Seymour calls it a mistake.
5. 19 Nov 2025Bangerz trust withdraws Kelston Boys' High School charter application, citing public pressure and safety.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.