Budget 2013: $19m to establish first charter schools

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The Government will spend $19 million on establishing the first charter schools in 2014.

The Education Amendment Bill passes its second reading in Parliament this week, paving the way for the controversial schools to open in 2014.

Associate Minister of Education John Banks said the schools would focus on the Government's priority groups of Maori, Pasifika and children from low socio-economic backgrounds and children with special education needs.

Mr Banks said the $19 million would be put in contingency and drawn down once the legislation passed and as decisions were made later in the year.