10. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
When was construction completed on the new early childhood education centre at Weymouth Primary School, and why is the centre empty?
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Education) Link to this
I am advised that the building was completed on 21 January 2011, but that it has not yet been granted a code of compliance certificate by the council and cannot be opened until this occurs. The tendering and selection processes are proceeding as planned, and I am advised that it is planned to open the centre for children in August.
When was construction completed on the early childhood education facility at Hōmai Primary School, and why is that centre also empty?
I understand that I provided information to the member in response to a written question that construction had been completed on Hōmai Primary School. I do not have the details in front of me of whether the code of compliance has also been granted for that building. I suspect we are still awaiting it.
Louisa WallWhat impact does the Minister think these delays will have on 3-year-old Genesis Tupai and 4-year-old Daisy Broughton, who featured on Campbell Live last night and who are currently not enrolled in any early childhood education because their families are waiting for the centre within their local community, and within walking distance from their homes, to open on the Weymouth Primary School site?
I think we are all very frustrated, but the reality is that we cannot open that building until it has a code of compliance from the Auckland Council—until that comes through, and until we have a provider. I understand it will be open for children in August of this year.
What will the Minister do to stop these delays from continuing, and how are these delays meeting her Government’s stated priority of increasing participation in South Auckland?