The head of the School Trustees Association says Maori parents are taking an increasing role in managing schools.
President Lorraine Kerr says back in 1989 when the Tomorrow's Schools reform put schools in the hands of elected boards of trustees, there were very few Maori involved in governance.
She says that's changed, as was shown at this year's annual conference in Christchurch, when a huge number of Maori parents attended, compared to 17 years ago.
Ms Kerr told Waatea News that it's not just Maori kaupapa schools, but mainstream schools where Maori parents are standing for election.
