Tracey Martin MP
Spokesperson for Education

26 February 2013

National’s Education Decisions Based on Flawed Logic

New Zealand First says flawed logic is behind Prime Minister John Key’s decision to bail out Wanganui Collegiate on the grounds it has community support, while ignoring the high level of community support for Christchurch schools facing amalgamation or closure.

Education spokesperson Tracey Martin says the Government is pumping more than $3 million to keep Wanganui Collegiate afloat when Education Minister Hekia Parata recommended it should not be integrated into the state system.

“Quake-stressed Christchurch communities could not have been more vocal in their support for keeping local schools open, but it’s fallen on deaf Government ears.

“Clearly not all New Zealand schools are being funded on a fair and equitable basis.

“By ignoring his Minister’s advice and pumping even more taxpayer money into Wanganui Collegiate, Mr Key has dealt another blow to Ms Parata’s already badly dented credibility,” says Ms Martin.

ENDS

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