This Supplementary Order Paper inserts new clause 19A amending section 158C of the Education Act 1989. That section specifies that the Minister of Education must appoint an advisory group to provide independent advice on the approval of sponsors and on the educational performance of partnership schools kura hourua.

This amendment would increase the minimum number of members this advisory group must have, from 1 to 5. It also sets a maximum of 9 members.

The minimum number of 5 members helps ensure the advisory group has a diverse range of skills and expertise, and the capacity to manage the workload. The maximum number of 9 members helps ensure effective decision making, that individual members are accountable, and that expenditure on the board is prudent.