June 17, 2005

Government Tells Rural Parents It Knows Best - Donnelly

“Changes to school transport policy represent nothing less than rural school zoning imposed by the Labour government,” says New Zealand First education spokesperson, Brian Donnelly.

Mr Donnelly worked in rural schools for most of his teaching career and like his colleague, Jim Peters, was the principal of a rural school.

“Labour is saying to rural parents that it knows best where their children should be schooled and is taking away even minimal elements of choice”.

“Putting off the application of this policy until after the election is cold comfort to rural parents. If Labour is back in government, rural parents will have to put up and shut up.

“The Minister needs to tell parents now whether this policy will proceed or not – before the election,” said Mr Donnelly.

ENDS

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