I reviewed Taihape schools in 2003 and 2004.
As they went it wasn’t that complicated though there were demonstrations. I drove the roads between the rural schools over the summer recess. Every area is different. Sheep and beef areas have farms and schools further apart and rural roads in the North Island are not nearly as good as in the South.
Secondary education in the town was marginal. Numbers heading down. Options increasingly limited. Kids were leaving town for secondary education.
I worked very closely with the local MP Simon Power. Lots of confidential discussions while the town was split first on whether there should be an area school and then whether it should be town or on the old secondary site.
Simon represented his constituents really well. Presented a clear case but was never grandstanding. Kept all confidences.
There was a very good establishment board who worked very hard.
And the result finally opened today is a great building. Brilliant indoor core. Wireless with massive broadband. Good staff very well led.
And Simon was generous in that he invited me to help him open it. Thanks.
Good for them, the plaque is really nice and good to see recycled wood too.
Nice to see you and Power together 
Okay, although he has a name like an international man of mystery, Simon Power is clearly a good local MP, and capable man with a solid level of integrity.
I don’t suppose he could take over the Ministry of Economic Development for the next couple of years?
I see he was the top ranked Minister in the DomPost analysis today. No real surprise.
It is really good to see both sides of the House actually working well together on issues which actually effect rural New Zealanders.
Well done Trevor.
nice one
you are scaring me Trevor.
but .. well done
Excellent to see such a post…
It’ll be interesting to see if Simon Power is a future National party leader, is NZ ready for PM Power..? Imagine the jokes…
Thanks for this. I agree that cooperation is far better than what appears publically as the constant snarking and sniping across the political parties.
Earlier in the year during question time I noted that Trevor Mallard offered to help Anne Tolley with an issue – regrettably she declined in a inappropriate manner.
But, good work Trevor. Keep it up!