Katherine Rich MP
National Party Education Spokeswoman

22 November 2007

Carter finally orders report into school allegations

A report has been ordered into allegations that Hato Paora’s board of trustees was given information about the school’s principal before he was appointed to the job, says National’s Education spokeswoman, Katherine Rich.

“Education Minister Chris Carter said he would call for the report after questions posed by National in Parliament today. He later returned to the house to correct his answers, admitting that his office had received two emails about the issue.

“Mr Carter told Parliament he is now investigating the veracity of the allegations contained in the emails. What he did not say, was that the author of the emails also claims he alerted the Ministry of Education at the same time he notified the board.

“If this is indeed the case, it is a damning indictment against the Ministry – proving not only did they refuse to advise the board to go to the police when the latest allegations were raised, but it knew there were concerns about his suitability before he was appointed.

“This case is getting murkier by the day, and it’s time the Minister stopped calling National a disgrace for pursuing the matter and dealt with the possibility that it is his Ministry that has acted disgracefully.”

Ends

© Scoop Media