Pleas by supporters and old girls of Turakina Maori Girls’ College to keep the school open have failed to impress Education Minister Hekia Parata.
Ms Parata says she has made an interim decision to close the school, which will be confirmed next month unless something emerges from a second round of consultation to make her change her mind.
While submissions from the board of trustees, the Presbyterian Church, Nga Wahine o Turakina Nga Hara and members of the public demonstrated a great deal of goodwill towards the school, they don’t give her confidence the Proprietor will be able to resolve the issues it faces.
The roll is now just 49 students and the financial costs associated with building assessment and earthquake-strengthening means its debts are likely to grow.
Consultation runs until November 6, and if there is no change the school will close on January 27.
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