Researchers say new charter schools will have a damaging effect on the students they're supposed to help, causing inequality based on culture, race and socio-economic status.
Trials of the schools, which will be funded by the Government but run by businesses, are planned for South Auckland and Christchurch.
A team of Massey University academics looked at studies of charter schools in Britain, Sweden and the United States.
They say that if the Government does not proceed with care in their introduction, it could be a costly mistake leading to further educational inequality and leaving children at the mercy of the market.
The researchers say the schools have no accountability to the community, and wrongly focus on financial or employment success rather than creating informed citizens.
Their research found that only a few highly motivated students from wealthier families will succeed - but at a cost of cultural, racial and socio-economincal inequality in the community.
