ACT Education Spokesman MP Donna Awatere Huata today withdrew support for National's new zoning policy.

"National's move is a first step, and no more.

"Early news media accounts stated that National would copy ACT and abolish school zoning. Unfortunately for New Zealand's parents, this was optimistic spin.

"The only difference between National and Labour is that the former will `allow' schools to design their enrolment zones, while the latter leaves it to the Minister and his bureaucrats. What's the difference? Parents will still not have any say. National is having a bob each way, refusing to take a real stand on this crucial issue.

"National's policy will not lift standards. That will only happen when parents have real choice in education. Labour's zoning laws have been a disaster, leading to racially segregated, overcrowded schools. The zoning law needs to be completely overhauled, not just played with.

"Along with New Zealand parents, I am disappointed that National has chosen to advertise its policy as abolishment of zoning without delivering. National needs to try again. Only ACT would lift standards at all schools and tear down the racist ghetto schools that lock children into a desperate cycle of failure," Mrs Awatere Huata said.

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