A Maori health provider says its application to start a charter school, which will have an emphasis on the outdoors, is designed to encourage innovation and creativity among children.
Te Kohao Health based at Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton is one of 19 organisations, five of which are Maori, that have applied to open new charter schools.
Te Kohao Health managing director Tureiti Moxon said if the school was approved, its 5- to 10-year-old pupils would spend a day a week out in the bush.
She said learning is everywhere and the outdoors is an ideal environment.
Ms Moxon said the school, which would be called Nga Mana Kura, would be bilingual.
A decision is expected next month.