National’s Mana Candidate Mark Thomas today joined the Prime Minster Rt Hon Jenny Shipley in presenting the 1 millionth ‘Duffy’ book at a ceremony at Tairangi Primary School in Waitangirua.

“The Alan Duff ‘Books in Homes’ programme has been an outstanding success. It is particularly appropriate that the Prime Minister present the 1 millionth book at the school where the programme started 4 years ago.

“Books in Homes is an important example of the local community support and effort that is such a vital part of our children’s education.

“Our children’s education will not be improved by the state dominated, bureaucratic control Graham Kelly’s Labour party want to re-introduce.

“We need innovation, and local support for local solutions. Books in Homes is a fantastic example of this with kids in Porirua getting a much greater chance to read good quality books than they otherwise might have.

Mark Thomas said the Prime Minister discussed the prospect of additional Government support to the Books in Homes project.

“$1.4 million is already provided to Alan Duff’s programme. However Mrs Shipley announced today that the Government is committed to further developing Books in Homes and some exciting new ideas were being discussed.

Mark Thomas said he hoped an announcement about extra funding would be made shortly.

“National believes in supporting programmes which are making a real and positive difference in people’s lives. The warmth of the reception Mrs Shipley received today from the children of Tairangi school showed they appreciated their ‘Duffy’ books and that this is a programme that deserves further support.

Mark Thomas said he was meeting with school principal Terry Ryan on Tuesday to discuss other issues following the Prime Minister's visit.

Ends

© Scoop Media