Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis wants confirmation from Government that kura kaupapa will receive the same funding as mainstream schools in this year's budget.
Education Minister Hekia Parata announced three new kura kaupapa to be built over four years in Gisborne, Whakatāne and Hastings, but Davis says the quality of those schools could be compromised.
He has extensive experience in the Education sector and Kelvin Davis wants answers.
"My question is, will Māori immersion schools be treated the same as mainstream schools? How much resources will be given them?"
Education Minister Hekia Parata has announced $244mil in funding for new schools, additional classrooms and expansions to existing schools. Though exact funding for Māori immersion schools is yet to be revealed.
Davis says, "I'm worried about these schools and how they will resource themselves. Will they have a gym, a swimming pool? Mainstream schools don't experience the same kind of struggle Māori immersion schools do."
Davis questions the quality of the schools if sufficient funding isn't locked in. "It's hard work being a teacher in a mainstream school but I think even harder in a Māori school. The lack of resources and support from the Ministry of Education contributes to those hardships."
The Minister of Education wasn't available to speak to Te Kāea today but by Thursday, we should know the road ahead for these new kura kaupapa.