Parents and former students are shocked at the decision announced today to cancel the integration agreement between the
Ministry of Education and the Queen Victoria and St Stephen’s Schools Trust Board. “Last week’s ERO Report acknowledged
that, with the appointment of a new principle and the Board of Trustees, the school was improving and had made
significant changes” said Keringawai Evans, past student and sister of an existing student.
Parents and Te Kähui (the past pupils and supporters association) pointed to a lack of commitment from the Trust Board
as a fundamental cause for the historical decline in the school’s management. They are also critical of the consultation
process used by the Trust Board and the Ministry. “During the consultation the Trust Board made it clear that they were
committed to building a new school using the proceeds of the sale of the school site in Parnell” said Ms Evans, “They
should be open-minded and genuine when they consult but they and the Ministry described it as a mere legal requirement”.
Parents, with the support of Te Kähui, are now reviewing the options open to them. They plan to issue legal proceedings
within the next week.