Hon Bill English
National Party Education Spokesman

7 February 2006

96% of parents can’t be wrong

A survey showing that 96% of parents want to choose which schools their children attend shows Labour is out of step with the aspirations of New Zealand families, says National’s Education spokesman, Bill English.

He is commenting on the release today of the Maxim Institute’s Access to Education report.

Mr English says 96% of parents can’t be wrong.

“Parents know better than anyone how much is at stake with their children’s education. They will always put the needs of their children ahead of Labour’s theoretical left-wing ideals.”

The report also finds that ‘most parents (80%) agree that education should be funded in a way that parents can afford to send their children to the school of their choice.’

“Labour reduces parental choice in education every time it has the chance. Rigid zoning restrictions are a serious obstacle to choice, as were school closures, school transport and the new barriers facing integrated schools,” says Mr English.

“Only an out-of-touch Minister like Steve Maharey would ignore the wishes of 96% of parents. Surely they are in the best position to know what is and what isn’t working for their kids – it’s time Labour took notice of them.

“National is keen to work with parents to roll back Labour’s rigid anti-parent, anti-choice policies.”

ENDS

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