David Seymour's one step closer to re-establishing charter schools in New Zealand

He's unveiled the board responsible for overseeing the implementation of the system -- which he says will provide educators with greater autonomy and free teachers from state and union interference in the classroom.

The Associate Education Minister's announced former St Cuthbert's Principal Justine Mahon as the new board's chair -- as well as seven other education experts.

Under the Key/English Government -- a charter school pilot programme was launched, then scrapped by Labour.

But Seymour says this Government intends to see the first permanent charter school open by next year.