"Say Sorry Would Be Nice" - Awatere Huata

Wednesday 23rd Aug 2000
Donna Awatere Huata
Media Release -- Education

Sending mixed messages and failing to consult with schools over bulk funding issues was a classic example of how Education Minister Trevor Mallard had forgotten one of the fundamental lessons he should have learned long ago, ACT Education Spokesperson Donna Awatere Huata said today.

“He should look up the definition of good manners again,” she said.

Mrs Huata said the Minister’s decision to speak through the media on major policy changes instead of informing the people directly concerned, was “contemptuous.”

“I suppose I am naïve to think he would have had the good manners to inform schools directly of his funding cuts in sufficient time for teaching staff to absorb its implication,” Mrs Huata said

“Instead principals and teachers fearing for their jobs were left to grasp at tiny morsels from Mr Mallard’s media feast.”

Mrs Huata said it was “totally out of order” for schools to have to rely on important information from the media instead of from the Ministry.

“The least Mr Mallard can do is say sorry,” she said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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