The Government's announced a new school for Christchurch, which will teach in both Maori and English.
Te Pa o Rakaihautu will open next year on the site of the former Richmond School, and cater for Years one to thirteen.
Its philosophy will be founded on tikanga, te reo Maori, and Te Ao Maori values.
School spokesperson Mani Stirling says they aim to attract Maori in mainstream education.
He says there about 8000 Maori students in Christchurch, with 95 percent of them in mainstream schools.
Mr Stirling says Te Pa o Rakaihautu will be what's known as a Designated Character school.
The Ministry of Education says they have a particular character which sets them apart from ordinary state schools and kura kaupapa Maori.