A new Upper Hutt sports academy based at NZCIS will start running from term 1 in 2026. The aim of the New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa (NZPAA) will be to provide students with sporting ambitions, skills for a successful career while ensuring they meet their academic needs.

Associate Education Minister, David Seymour said the charter school meant students would not have to sacrifice their education in pursuit of sporting dreams, or vice versa. He said it would teach a nationally recognised curriculum and world-class athletic development.

The New Zealand Perfomance Academy Aotearoa would bring the total number of charter schools in the country to 15. David Seymour expects more to be announced by the end of the year, along with the first state schools to convert to charter schools. Fifty-two applications had been considered by the Charter School Agency, Seymour said.

Source: Radio New Zealand

20/10/25