An opposition MP says plans to merge two Christchurch kura kaupapa Maori would be like asking two tribes to amalgamate.
The Government is proposing $1 billion worth of changes to the city's education sector - including mergers, repairs and closures.
Te Whanau Tahi and Whakapumau i Te Reo Tuturu o Waitaha face becoming one Maori immersion school.
The Labour MP for the Southern Maori electorate of Te Tai Tonga, Rino Tirikatene, says the plan fails to recognise the tikanga of the individual kura.
He says making two kura out of one is like asking Waikato-Tainui to merge with Te Arawa.
Mr Tirikatene says the Government has shown no regard for tikanga or customs, and says the plan is grossly offensive to the kura whanau.
He says the two schools are the only kura kaupapa Maori in Christchurch.
