"Say Sorry Would Be Nice" - Awatere Huata
Wednesday 23rd Aug 2000
Donna Awatere Huata
Media Release -- Education
Sending mixed messages and failing to consult with schools over bulk funding issues was a classic example of how
Education Minister Trevor Mallard had forgotten one of the fundamental lessons he should have learned long ago, ACT
Education Spokesperson Donna Awatere Huata said today.
“He should look up the definition of good manners again,” she said.
Mrs Huata said the Minister’s decision to speak through the media on major policy changes instead of informing the
people directly concerned, was “contemptuous.”
“I suppose I am naïve to think he would have had the good manners to inform schools directly of his funding cuts in
sufficient time for teaching staff to absorb its implication,” Mrs Huata said
“Instead principals and teachers fearing for their jobs were left to grasp at tiny morsels from Mr Mallard’s media
feast.”
Mrs Huata said it was “totally out of order” for schools to have to rely on important information from the media instead
of from the Ministry.
“The least Mr Mallard can do is say sorry,” she said.
ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.