Steve
CHADWICK
Labour List MP in Rotorua

12 November 2011
MEDIA STATEMENT

National’s Education Minister Anne Tolley has announced a new Year 7 to 14 school in Kawerau, steamrolling the local communities efforts to buy into the restructure for a result which fits the needs of the community, Labour MP based in Rotorua Steve Chadwick said today.

“The Minister has finally sealed her shonky process of consultation and done what she always intended to do ---close the intermediate school,” Steve Chadwick said.

“The restructure of the schools was necessary and a challenging process for everyone involved, but the Minister’s approach from the outset ignored the communities input, demonstrating a total arrogance toward the people of the Kawerau.

“Pouring money into rebuilding a new school will not solve the problems of quality staffing and falling roles that Kawerau faces.

“We must value teachers and school staff for the work they do in order to build a strong educational base that helps build these children’s resilience and future prospects.

“The shunned intermediate is looking toward protest and legal action—hardly an outcome born of real community consultation.

“I am committed to quality education in Kawerau and will attend a public meeting to hear the community’s legitimate concerns,” Steve Chadwick said.

________________________________________

© Scoop Media