15 July 2004 Media Release

King horrified by Brash slur on Wellington schools

Health Minister and Rongotai MP Annette King says she is horrified by the slur that National leader Don Brash has cast on a number of Wellington high schools.

Dr Brash has said the National Party is considering letting “popular” schools take over the administration of less popular schools, and today cited Wellington College as an example.

Annette King says: “I have no problem with Dr Brash describing Wellington College as a well-run school.

“But I am appalled that Dr Brash seems to be insinuating that neighbouring schools, like Wellington High School, Wellington East Girls, St Catherine’s, Rongotai College and St Patricks College, are somehow inferior and in need of help. I doubt whether he has ever visited any of these schools.

“Once again, Dr Brash has shown his readiness to sound off on issues he knows nothing about.

“Why he singled Wellington College out is beyond me. Wellington College has a number of fine neighbours. They deserve Dr Brash’s support, not his elitist condescension and crazy policies.”

ENDS

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