Megan WOODS
Associate Education Spokesperson
30 September 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Minister’s decision-making on trial once again
Education Minister Hekia Parata’s controversial decision to close and merge Christchurch schools goes on trial again
today, with Phillipstown School seeking a judicial review of its proposed merger with Woolston, says Labour’s Associate
Education spokesperson Megan Woods.
“Today’s hearing sends a clear signal to the Minister that the local community feels let down by her decision and
demonstrates a Government running roughshod over the people of Canterbury.
“Good on the board for being determined enough to stand up for the safety and wellbeing of children attending their
school.
“Board members have argued all along that the rationale for the merger was flawed, and I am with them all the way in
their last ditch effort to challenge the Minister’s proposal.
“This isn’t the first time Hekia Parata’s decision-making has been before the courts; a resolution to close Salisbury
School was successfully challenged earlier this year, with the court finding she had abrogated her responsibilities.
“The manner in which Mrs Parata has carried out the school closures and mergers in Christchurch is just a further
example of her failure to engage with the community, and once again she is being forced to defend her decisions,” said
Megan Woods.
ENDS