Hon Bill English MP
National Education Spokesperson

4th February 2004

Labour savages Southland education

Invercargill families have paid the price of being taken for granted by Labour, says National's Education spokesman Bill English.

"I had hoped that Trevor Mallard would back off large-scale closures as he has in Upper Hutt, Taihape and the Far North. Instead he has gone ahead with savage and unnecessary school closures," said Mr English, who is also MP for Clutha-Southland.

"These closures will disrupt the strong community support and education that many Invercargill families have enjoyed. My heart goes out to the parents, trustees and teachers who have worked so hard over the years to build a future for our children.

"The Minister's decision to designate closed schools as 'continuing schools' is political cynicism at its worst.

"Invercargill MP Mark Peck has been hopeless and the Labour Government believes locals will vote for them anyway. Next election will be a chance for the community to show what they think of this policy," said Mr English.

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