All Kura Kaupapa Maori in Christchurch will stay open, despite the launch of a new school that will teach in both Maori and English.
Te Pa o Rakaihautu will open next year on the site of the former Richmond School, and its philosophy will be founded on Maori values.
It will aim to fill its classrooms with Maori pupils from mainstream schools.
Te Pa o Rakaihautu spokesperson Mani Stirling says they're providing opportunities for students who want a Maori education, but don't have full Te Reo.
He says akonga (students) need to have reached a level of Te Reo before entering a kura kaupapa, which can create a barrier to some pupils.
Mr Stirling says the school will cater for Years 1 to 13.
The Ministry of Education classifies the kura as a Designated Character school, meaning it's set apart from ordinary state schools and kura kaupapa Maori.
