Media statement
For immediate release
Wednesday, 30 August 2006

Zoning decision shows need for clarification

A Ministry of Education decision to reinstate expelled students has further highlighted the need for more clarity in the law surrounding zoning and annulments, according to United Future education spokesperson, Judy Turner.

The Ministry has instructed Auckland Grammar to reinstate 20 students it had initially told to leave the school.

"The law must be more prescriptive to prevent schools interpreting zoning rules to suit themselves, so that all parents are aware of their rights and responsibilities, and to stop legitimately enrolled students being unfairly labelled cheats.

"Schools also need to have explained what they can and cannot do in regard to annulment of students' enrolment under the Education Act.

"The Ministry decision shows that the application using a very strict interpretation of the rules, was clearly against the intent of the law in some instances, but this situation need not have occurred in the first place.

"The policy needs to be clear and concise, to ensure that all schools are playing by the same rules for the sake of the students and families, and even the school themselves as we have seen.

"I think it should also be acknowledged that some schools will try to use any system to reduce their roll if possible, because the current zoning regime has forced the more popular schools to bursting point," says Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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