Charter schools in New Zealand, also known as partnership schools or kura hourua, were schools that received government funding similar to state schools but were subject to fewer rules and regulations from the Ministry of Education. They are free and open for any students to attend. Charter schools had the autonomy to set their own curriculum, qualifications, pay rates for teachers, school-hours and school terms. The schools were operated by sponsors such as Māori Iwi, not-for-profit organisations, businesses or existing education providers.