17 July 2002
Rawene School Bus Service
Associate Education Minister Marian Hobbs says a nationwide review of school transport is in progress. It is due to
report at the end of 2002. The Rawene-Omanaia school transport situation will be considered within this review.
The service has been operating outside policy and is due to finish at the end of this year. Similar services operating
outside a nationwide standard have been advised of closure.
"Fairness to every rural student is important," Marian Hobbs said.
"I asked the Ministry of Education to attend a Rawene community meeting yesterday to ensure that their case is
represented in the review. I will not, in the middle of an election campaign, be changing my decision to close the
service
"I am encouraged by advice that Rawene and Omanaia School Boards have begun to work together towards a combined
solution. Such co-operation will find a better solution than the antagonism of the past."
Ends