Convert Naenae College to a Charter School Now!

Join the call for better education—empower our community with innovative teaching, local control, and improved student outcomes

Sign the Petition Today

Why Naenae College Needs Change

Naenae College is failing its students. For too long, our community has watched as academic performance stagnates and opportunities diminish. An outdated, one-size-fits-all curriculum is leaving students unprepared for modern careers and higher education in Wellington and beyond.

Performance metrics are not just numbers—they represent futures at risk. Consistently low pass rates and a lack of specialized programs are clear indicators that the current system is broken. The time for incremental change is over. We need urgent, fundamental reform to give our Lower Hutt students the education they deserve.

Outdated Curriculum

Low Performance

Benefits of Charter School Conversion

A charter model unlocks potential and delivers tangible advantages for our students, teachers, and the Naenae community

Innovation in Teaching

Freedom from rigid district mandates allows teachers to develop creative, effective methods and tailor curricula to student needs, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment for all Naenae students.

Community Control

Governed by a board of local parents, educators, and community leaders from Lower Hutt, ensuring the school's mission and operations are directly aligned with our community's values and priorities.

Higher Standards & Accountability

Increased accountability for performance means the school must meet specific, ambitious academic goals. This focus on results drives continuous improvement and better outcomes for all students.

The Challenges We Face

Naenae College faces significant hurdles that impact student success in Lower Hutt. Despite the dedication of our teachers, systemic issues limit potential and opportunity.

Declining Outcomes

Student achievement rates have been below the national average for the last five years, impacting future opportunities for Wellington youth.

Underfunding

Per-student funding has not kept pace with inflation, affecting resources, programs, and educational quality at Naenae College.

Limited Curriculum

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't cater to the diverse needs and talents of our students or prepare them for modern careers.

Our Solution: A Charter School for Naenae

A charter school model offers the flexibility and community focus needed to address the unique challenges at Naenae College, empowering educators and students to succeed in Lower Hutt and beyond.

Educational Innovation

Introducing a tailored curriculum that meets the specific needs of our students, focusing on both academic excellence and vocational pathways relevant to Wellington's job market.

Community Empowerment

Giving parents and local leaders a direct voice in the school's governance and direction, ensuring it serves the Naenae community's needs and values.

Better Student Outcomes

Focusing on proven teaching methods, smaller class sizes, and greater accountability to improve academic results and create more opportunities for Lower Hutt students.

Voices from Our Community

Hear from parents, teachers, and local leaders from Lower Hutt who believe in a brighter future for Naenae College

"As a parent in Naenae, I want the best for my child. The charter school proposal gives me hope that Naenae College can become a place of excellence and opportunity for all its students, preparing them for success in Wellington and beyond."

Parent

Parent of Year 10 Student

"Having taught here for 15 years, I've seen the immense potential in our students. A charter model would empower us as educators to innovate and tailor our teaching to their unique needs, preparing them for the opportunities in Wellington's growing economy."

Teacher

Teacher at Naenae College

Take Action: Sign the Petition

Send a clear message to the Education Ministers. Your signature tells them our Lower Hutt community demands a better future for Naenae College students. Let's make this change happen, together.

Why Your Signature Matters:

  • Demonstrates community support for education reform
  • Puts pressure on decision-makers in Wellington
  • Shows solidarity with teachers and students

Your information will only be used for this campaign and will not be shared with third parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Naenae College charter school campaign

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a publicly funded school that operates with more flexibility and autonomy than traditional state schools. Charter schools in New Zealand have freedom to innovate with curriculum, teaching methods, and governance while being held accountable for student outcomes. They're governed by local boards and can be tailored to community needs.

How would a charter school benefit Naenae College students?

Converting to a charter school would give Naenae College the flexibility to implement innovative teaching methods, create specialized programs for student interests, maintain smaller class sizes, and focus on both academic and vocational pathways. This model has proven successful in improving student outcomes, particularly in communities facing similar challenges to Lower Hutt.

Will it still be free to attend?

Yes. Charter schools in New Zealand are publicly funded and free to attend, just like traditional state schools. The main difference is in governance structure and operational flexibility, not in cost to families. All students from the Naenae and Lower Hutt area would continue to have free access to education.

Who supports this campaign?

The campaign is led by the Naenae College Union and supported by parents, teachers, students, and community leaders throughout Lower Hutt who believe in the potential for educational improvement. We're a grassroots movement focused on giving our students the best possible education and opportunities.