Mallard Proves Zoning System Does Not Work

Tuesday 27th Mar 2001 Donna Awatere Huata Media Release -- Education

The Minister of Education’s own actions prove that parents want to choose where their children go to school, ACT Education Spokesman Donna Awatere Huata said today.

“The Minister has just announced that he will prevent parents from changing addresses to avoid school zoning regulations.

“This action is an admission by Trevor Mallard that zoning is unpopular with most parents.

“Patently, parents will exploit any loophole to ensure their children get a decent education.

“ACT predicted that middle-class parents would move house to avoid sending their children to schools seen as inferior. This is exactly what is happening.

“Despite the Minister’s plans, parents will continue to find loopholes in the system.

“It is time for the Minister to concede that zoning does not work, and must be eliminated.

“This Government has forced parents to employ dishonest tactics to make sure their children attend their school of choice.

“Some people have lived in hotels, or stayed with relatives to get their children enrolled in particular schools.

“ACT will continue to vigorously oppose this ridiculous zoning policy, and strive to see it replaced.

“We need a sensible scheme which allows individuals a real choice about the type of education they receive,” Donna Awatere Huata said.

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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