A radical proposal from the secondary teachers union, to reduce what it calls destructive competition between schools.

A PPTA paper is suggesting schools only be paid for their in-zone students.

Such a move would axe funding for more than half of the current students at six Auckland secondary schools.

PPTA President Jack Boyle told Mike Hosking there's no point in duplication of services across individual schools competing for the same kids.

He says competition between schools can be damaging to their communities and the proposal is about better resourcing schools.

Boyle says we need to look at how to have an ecosystem instead of thinking the only thing we can do is attach money to a student.

"That includes additional learning support, it might include whatever type of services across the group of schools can be made available."

He says we need to make sure parents see their local schools as a worthwhile choice.

LISTEN ABOVE AS JACK BOYLE SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING