MP supports kindy over car park

The proposed closure of Point Chevalier Kindergarten to make way for a car park, has saddened parents pleased with the proximity of the kindergarten to the primary school, says Labour's MP for Mt Albert David Shearer.

"Point Chevalier Kindergarten, which leases land from Point Chevalier Primary School, has been told their lease won't be renewed as the land is needed for a car park due to the addition of new classrooms at Point Chevalier Primary.

"The unfortunate reality is that the school's recent growth has come at the expense of the kindergarten.

"After my discussions on Monday with both kindy parents and the school, I've been looking into options to keep Point Chevalier Kindergarten open. There are some terrific ideas being put forward by people in the area.

"We need to think creatively about a long-lasting solution. This will require leadership on the part of the Ministry of Education and some creative thinking by the Council who are enforcing the decision. I have contacted Mayor Len Brown's office and they are willing to consider proposals to enable Point Chevalier Kindergarten to remain open. That's a positive start.

"The school and kindergarten are at the heart of the close-knit Point Chevalier community who promote cycling and walking to school.

"Anne Tolley needs to demonstrate her commitment to early childhood education and have her officials to sit round the table with Point Chevalier Kindergarten to discuss the issue," David Shearer said.

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