'Let us show you': NZ Pasifika charter school challenges critics

As debate over charter schools heats up, a new academy in Manukau is telling sceptics to “let us show you”, ahead of its launch next year.

Sisters United Academy, a new charter school designed specifically for Pacific girls, will open in February 2026.

Principal Bonnie Talamaivao says it's a school of excellence for Pasifika girls and aims to blend cultural grounding, wellbeing, and strong academic performance.

Speaking with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Talamaivao acknowledges the political environment surrounding charter schools remains fraught, especially with Labour leading current polling and signalling it intends to remove the model.

“I totally understand that charter schools are highly political, but rest assured, we are not, Sisters United Academy isn't.

“My message to anyone who is doubting charter schools or doubting our model is just let us show you.

Talamaivao says her push for a Pasifika-led school is not a criticism of the public system, as she has spent a decade working in mainstream education.

“I don't want to bag on mainstream, I come from mainstream education. I think there are pockets of excellence for our Pasifika kids in our mainstream schools, but I think there's a huge gap, and there always has been … it's intergenerational.”

She says that the gap continues to disadvantage ethnic minorities and has driven demand for new models that better serve Pasifika learners.

“So there's always been a gap for our ethnic minorities in mainstream education, and so I think this is an opportunity.”

Talamaivao says the research on what works for Pasifika students already exists, the challenge is applying it at scale.

Watch Bonnie Talamaivao's full interview below.

Critics, including the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA), are concerned that charter schools lack adequate accountability, transparency, and democratic safeguards.

They argue that charter schools are not bound by the oversight required of state schools, particularly around contract disclosure and community governance. Stoking fears about the “loss of control on democracy” and increasing the risk of privatised or overseas operators entering New Zealand’s education sector.

Talamaivao's message to sceptics is blunt. “Just let us show you… I want to show naysayers or people that think that charter schools have a negative connotation that they can actually work.”

She says success comes down to “the right leadership with the right team” and she believes Sisters United Academy can change the negative narrative.

The academy is scheduled to open on 9 February 2026, with staff onboarding beginning 12 January. The school has secured a site in central Manukau, close to public transport links, and will take 120 Year 9–13 students.