Four charter schools appear to have been axed with minimal consultation.

New education minister Chris Hipkins has indicated the schools, which were due to open in 2019, won't go ahead.

National Party education spokeswoman Nikki Kaye said a number of stakeholders appear to have been kept in the dark.

"It's not decent for these schools to find out via the media that the schools may not be going ahead.

"The minister needs to urgently give certainty.

"It's very disappointing for the schools that nobody has been in contact with them to tell them."

Two of the schools were due to open in Auckland, as well as one each in Gisborne and Christchurch.