“National’s education spokesperson, Nick Smith, should check the legislative history before he mouths off about school
zoning,” said New Zealand First’s education spokesperson Hon Brian Donnelly.
“The legislation which brought back geographic zoning for overcrowded schools was passed in the latter part of 1998 when
National was holding onto the reins of government with the support of the rag-tags. The record shows that ACT voted in
favor of that legislation.”
“The 1998 law required schools which were in danger of overcrowding to establish a geographic home zone in such a way
that no child would be excluded from a reasonably convenient school.”
“What the present government has done is to introduce a compulsory system of balloting for unfilled places. It is
balloting which is the real cause of concern for Auckland Grammar as it can no longer handpick prospective first XV
players from South Auckland Schools,” said Mr Donnelly.
“This shows just how incompetent the National caucus is. It’s spokespersons are unaware of the legislation it passed
during its period in government,” Mr Donnelly concluded.
ENDS