The Government has handled charter schools so incompetently it could be facing an adverse Waitangi Tribunal finding.

It was revealed this morning that charter school charity E Tipu e Rea is considering lodging an application with the Waitangi Tribunal over the Government’s plans to shut the schools.

“Labour considers itself to have a special relationship with Māori. But as a result of its brazen arrogance and astonishing incompetence, the Government faces the prospect of Māori challenging its charter school policy at the Waitangi Tribunal", says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“The Labour Party MPs who support charter schools - Kelvin Davis, Willie Jackson, and Peeni Henare - have been missing in action. Their silence could eventually be deeply embarrassing for the Government if the Tribunal rules against the Crown.

“New Zealanders know this policy has been botched. Recent polling commissioned by ACT shows 60 per cent of Kiwis agree the Government has handled charter schools poorly.

“Chris Hipkins needs now to consider the evidence on charter schools, consult meaningfully, and reconsider his position”, says Mr Seymour.

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