The country's kura kaupapa Maori believe they do not have to use the Maori language version of the national standards in reading, writing and maths.
The national body for the schools, Te Runanga Nui, is opposed to the national standards, saying there is no evidence they will improve children's achievement and they do not fit the philosophy that underpins kura, Te Aho Matua.
Now it says the 73 kura do not have to use the Maori national standards, Nga Whanaketanga, because they use their own curriculum rather than the national Maori-medium curriculum.
But the Ministry of Education says schools are required to use either the Maori or English national curriculum and the national standards that go with them.
