8 November 2017
Bad weather closes seven schools and two early learning services
Snow and flooding overnight has closed seven schools and two early learning services in Otago and Southland, effecting
773 students and pre-schoolers.
The Ministry of Education’s regional teams have been contacting schools and early childhood centres in Otago and
Southland throughout the morning, says Katrina Casey, deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support.
“Three of the seven schools were forced to close because their school buses couldn’t get through on the roads. We are
helping all the impacted schools and early learning services. No reports of damage have been received.
“The closed schools are: Tapanui School, Blue Mountain College, Heriot School, Northern Southland College, Lumsden
School, Mossburn School and Garston School.
“The closed early learning services are: Riverstones Early Learning Centre in Lumsden and Kidz Way Early Learning Centre
in Tapanui,” Katrina Casey says.
ends