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.
