Autism NZ Education Hub to open as charter school in 2026
Autistic and neurodivergent students will soon have new learning options, with the launch of the Autism NZ Education Hub confirmed for Term 3, 2026.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour said the new hub will operate as a charter school, offering a tailored approach for students who have struggled in traditional classrooms.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today’s announcement demonstrates the innovation enabled by the charter school model,” Seymour said.
The Autism NZ Education Hub will be sponsored by Autism New Zealand and run campuses in Wellington and Auckland. Students’ days will follow personalised plans built around their strengths, interests, and needs, balancing core education with life skills and social-emotional development.
Seymour said the model aims to transition students back into classroom learning by blending in-person teaching with online and community-based education.
“It is estimated there are at least 3,900 autistic students in years 9 to 13 in Auckland and Wellington. National data suggests there is disproportionately high and chronic absence and school rejection among neurodivergent and disabled students, particularly in secondary years,” he said.
The 2023 Education Review Office report on Alternative Education raised concerns about those inequalities, with Autism New Zealand strongly advocating for more inclusive solutions.
Autism New Zealand chief executive Dane Dougan said the new hub represented an important step forward.
“Providing more education options for families is essential to ensuring that every young person can access an education that supports their individual needs. The Autism New Zealand Education Hub represents a meaningful step forward for autistic learners and their families. We appreciate the support of the Charter School Agency in helping bring this vision to life,” Dougan said.
Seymour said the charter school framework allowed for innovation while maintaining accountability.
“The charter school equation is the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success. These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results,” he said.
The Autism NZ Education Hub will be one of 17 charter schools scheduled to open in 2026, with more expected to be announced before the end of the year.
“I want to thank the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board for the work they have done getting charters open. This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools,” Seymour said.
