Schools close due to bad weather

News release

21 June 2013

Schools close due to bad weather

The Ministry of Education is aware a significant number of schools in Wellington, Canterbury, Nelson, Otago and Southland are closed today due to extreme weather.

Deputy Secretary Regional Operations, Katrina Casey says late this morning, two schools in Nelson had closed, and 58 in the Wellington region.

“The greatest number of today’s school closures are in the Canterbury region with 71 schools having closed already this morning and a number of others considering closure.”

Greater Dunedin, Southland and Central Otago have also been hit hard with 30 schools closed and many others considering closure.

“We are also aware that a number of schools have decided to start late and may consider closing. Some schools that are currently open may close early if weather conditions deteriorate.”

Transport issues have also caused disruption.

“In some areas school buses are not running but schools are open for students who are able to get there,” Ms Casey says.

The Ministry has also received some reports of property damage including damage to Aotea College’s roofing iron and Waterloo School has damage to its gym doors.

“However, although these schools are closed today, it is not specifically because of that damage, but rather as a result of the weather.”

The Ministry encourages any school which has been damaged to make contact as soon as possible.

“We will work closely with the school to make sure any damage is promptly repaired,” she says.

ENDS

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