12. ALLAN PEACHEY (National—Tamaki) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
Does he stand by his statement that “the arrangement in Flat Bush has not come from a ministry-driven restructuring of education. I think, really, people there had decided it would be interesting to do this kind of innovative approach.”?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Yes, the Minister knows that his predecessor was interested in that model, especially after the repeated request to expand the zone of the new Albany Junior High School, by the member for East Coast Bays following representations from many parents in that area. My predecessor decided that people in Manukau should be able to consider what was working well on the North Shore, as part of the consultation. The Ministry of Education therefore put that model of schooling to the community, and the result of the consultation convinced the Minister that that was the way to go.
At what stage in the consultation process did the residents of Flat Bush decide that, in the Minister’s own words, “it would be interesting to do this kind of innovative approach” ?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I am informed that consultation over the area strategy began in October 2003. The ministry involved 28 identified groups—including schools from around the boundary of the area, iwi, Auckland Catholics, unions, the early childhood sector representing the parents of the children who were heading in that direction, community groups, and the Manukau City Council. Fourteen organisations or groups, and 25 individuals, made written submissions. That is hardly ministry-driven restructuring, but genuine, and, some might say, extended, community consultation. Whatever the options, that has got to be a better model than stabbing one’s local school in the back.
Hon Marian HobbsDoes the Government have a policy on middle schools, or does it have a policy on quality teaching in the classroom?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I think it is fair to say the Government is indifferent to the question of a middle school - junior high school model. But what was quite clear was that that model was welcomed. Probably the person who was the loudest supporter of it for that particular area was Sir Barrie Curtis, who, as local mayor, looked at the issue very, very carefully; looked at what was happening in Albany, saw how Murray McCully was promoting the approach on behalf of the constituents, who loved it; and for reasons that became obvious put it to those people. The key, of course, is quality teaching.
Hon Brian Donnelly Link to this
Can the Minister confirm that far from junior high schools being a new idea, the first one was Kowhai Junior High School, which commenced in 1922, and that in the second half of the 1990s the National Government approved a number of such schools, starting with St Andrews Middle School in Hamilton in 1995?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I, of course, accept the member’s word as to the timing. I know that advice has been received about the benefit for middle schooling in New Zealand back as far as the 1930s, when, I understand, Don Brash was attending. [ Interruption]
Madam SPEAKERThe member used an unparliamentary term by accusing another member of lying. Would the member please withdraw and apologise.
Gerry BrownleeHow many of the options for the structure of Flat Bush schooling that were presented for the Minister to choose from were then taken to the community for consultation?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I do not have that advice with me. My understanding was that a preferred model was taken to the community.
I take that to mean “one”. Does the Minister acknowledge that his predecessor, Mr Mallard, pre-empted a community decision on the shape of schooling in Flat Bush in light of Mr Mallard’s indication in October 2005 that he—Mr Mallard—preferred a network that included junior high schools in Flat Bush?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
It was very clear which model was taken to the schools. My predecessor, of course, looked at this very, very carefully, and he was well supported in education. He was someone who welcomed the bumper sticker that was used in Auckland during the last campaign, which stated: “Save Rangitoto. Vote Peachey.”
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It never ceases to amaze me that you tolerate such mean-spirited, vindictive comments as we get from the Minister.
That is not a point of order. My patience and tolerance are tried at times. If all members would desist from such an attitude, then I think the House would be better for it.
I seek the leave of the House to table two documents that might put a slightly different light on the Minister’s answer. The first is questions for written answer 6966 and 6968.
Will the Minister now give regard to the views of Flat Bush residents, who last Monday, 26 June, voted unanimously against his plans for the future schooling structure in Flat Bush, and undertake further consultation to ensure that the views of Flat Bush residents and parents are reflected in any future schooling structures for their community?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I do not have that information with me. I suggest that the member set the question down as a primary question if he wants a response to it.
I seek the leave of the House to table a newspaper report dated 28 June 2006, “Meeting rejects school’s plan”.