6 February 2006 Media Statement

Key out of touch

National leader John Key's offer to supply breakfast to Wesley School shows how out of touch he is, says Education Minister Steve Maharey.

Mr Maharey said today that John Key arranged for Te Atatu cereal maker Tasti Products to supply breakfast to students without properly consulting the school.

"The breakfast plan for Wesley School was not needed nor asked for. It is just another national party stunt; an insulting stunt for which John Key should apologise to the school and the community."

Mr Maharey said that Wesley School was contacted by John Key who offered to give the school free muesli bars, not a school breakfast programme. A decision like this would have to go to the school board to be implemented. The school found out about National's plan through the media.

"The school was placed in a very difficult position and was concerned that this publicity about the breakfast programme might reflect badly on parents.

"Frankly Mr Key is, yet again, showing how out of touch he is. Wesley School is a decile 1 school, and according to ERO reports is doing well. It has a number of positive programmes in place including the Government's Fruit in Schools Programme, HIPPY (Home Instruction Programme for Parents and Youngsters), IHAD (The I Have A Dream Programme), and many more.

"If John Key was in touch with New Zealanders he would not keep making false assumptions about families on low incomes. The parents of Wesley School care as much about their children as he does his. The school staff is dedicated to their jobs and students. Community groups already make a big contribution."

Mr Maharey said that Mr Key's claim that the school had been put under pressure by the government was without foundation and ridiculous.

ENDS

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