September 28, 2012
Education ministry counts kapa haka attendance as ‘consultation’
A leaked Ministry of Education document has revealed that the ministry counted its attendance at a kapa haka event as consultation on its plans to close and merge Christchurch schools.
The ministry proposes to close or merge seven out of 10 Christchurch schools that offer Maori medium education, including the two kura kaupapa.
The Christchurch Press says the leaked summary of consultation with Ngai Tahu and Maori said it was done in less than three weeks during May, including attending the competition at Lincoln Events Centre, where it says a large number of Maori were in attendance.
Further consultation was piggy-backed on to hui at Freeville School and Tuahiwi schools, and there was a separate hui at the Christchurch polytechnic attended by a small group.
Just 74 responses were received, which the he ministry regards as fairly significant.
Education Minster Hekia Parata, who has Ngai Tahu whakapapa, has admitted the only people she consulted on the plan were ministry staff.