Charter Schools and Fast Track Approvals Bill concerns w/ ACT’s Simon Court: Monday 20 May, 2024

Last week ACT Party Leader, David Seymour, announced 153 million dollars in funding for the establishment of 50 charter schools. This covers 15 brand new schools and the conversion of 35 state schools. 

Between 2011 and 2017 less than 20 charter schools were open in Aotearoa, before they were disestablished by the Labour government in 2018. Seymour himself has said that previously the schools were both difficult to establish and run. 

For our weekly interview with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to MP Simon Court about what will be different this time, and why the party thinks these schools are the best option. 

They also talked about some recent conflicts of interests that have arisen surrounding the already contested Fast Track approvals bill.