Education Minister ticks the wrong box in Hamilton

Education Minister Hekia Parata has shown little understanding of Hamilton’s priorities with her announcement of two new schools in the north-east of the city, Labour List MP Sue Moroney says.

"If she had bothered to talk to the community or listen to the Education and Science Select Committee, she would know that secondary schooling is the priority in north-east Hamilton,” Sue Moroney said.

The Government is proposing a new primary school opening in 2015 as well as a new intermediate, secondary or combined school in 2016.

"That’s much too late for the community. Has she not learnt anything from her ill-informed announcements in Christchurch?

“The proposed schools might not have registered, qualified teachers and could be privately-owned, with the Minister refusing to rule out Charter Schools or Private Public Partnerships (PPPs).

“The multi-party select committee recommended the Government go ahead with a new secondary school in 2009, following a petition from the local community.

“I have seen the data supporting the secondary school proposal but would like to see assurances that a further primary school won't be to the detriment of our existing school network.

"For many families, today’s secondary school announcement has come four years too late.

“If the Government had acted on the select committee advice, the secondary school would be built and operating already,” Sue Moroney said.

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