4. LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
What recent announcements has the Government made about school property?
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) Link to this
Last week I announced $29.8 million of funding for new buildings at 27 schools across New Zealand: 17 schools will be funded for new buildings, and 10 schools will receive funding to replace existing buildings.
Which schools in the Taupō electorate will benefit from the Government’s commitment to enhancing school property?
In Budget 2009 the Government pledged $523 million towards school property over the next 4 years. I am pleased to advise the member that in this funding round, Taupō-nui-a-Tia College in Taupō received almost $3.5 million to replace an art room, a classroom, and its technology block.
Catherine Delahunty Link to this
Tēnā koe, Mr Speaker. How many primary schools is the Minister considering for closure?
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. How does that question relate to the primary question, which was about school property?
Mr SPEAKERThe primary question asked what recent announcements the Government has made about school property, and the supplementary question asked about the matter of school closures. I think it does bear a reasonable relationship to the primary question.
In answer to the question, I say to the member that a couple of primary schools have asked to be considered for closure. If the member would like to put her question down as a written question to me, I can make the names of those schools available to her.
Catherine Delahunty Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. My question was quite specific. It asked how many—
The member will resume her seat. When a supplementary question is some distance from the primary question, in the way that question was—although I ruled that it was in order—the Minister will not necessarily have the specific information. She indicated that if the member wants to put down a question specifically on that matter—[ Interruption]. I am on my feet, ruling on a point of order. If the member wants to put down a specific question, the Minister has indicated that she will answer it. I think it is unreasonable to expect the Minister to have that specific information at her fingertips when there is not such a close relationship to the primary question.
Jo GoodhewWhat does the Government’s commitment to school property mean for schools in the Rangitata electorate?