New school ‘amazing opportunity’
| Author | Alyssa Smith |
| Published date | 10 November 2021 |
| Publication title | Stratford Press |
Neryda Sullivan, principal of the intermediate school for two years, says the possibilities that come from a new school are exciting.
“It’s very positive to be able to start from the beginning, where a whole new curriculum and building can be designed to fit the needs of the students. It opens up the door for partnerships with iwi, and organisations to join us on this journey.”
For Rachel Williams, Hāwera High school principal, the most important aspect is equality, with a focus on Māori students.
“We want to work with iwi to design a curriculum suitable to everyone, and address the inequality we have in the country.”
Hautū (leader) of the Ministry of Education Central region, Jocelyn Mikaere, says the feedback from the consultation process showed a new school would be the best option to improve educational outcomes for Māori students, and for all young people in the Hāwera community.
“We will continue to work with the schools and iwi, and other groups within the Hāwera community, to implement this change. Planning for the property project will begin shortly, now that the decision has been made. In 2022 we will support the boards of Hāwera Intermediate School and Hāwera High School to work towards closure at the end of 2022.
“The project is in the very early planning stages and a procurement strategy is still to be developed. The Ministry’s Procurement Policy supports the achievement of social, cultural, environmental and economic broader outcomes and this project will look to support engagement with local and Māori-owned businesses where possible.”
Rachel Rae, Kaiw’akaaere of Ngati Ruanui, says they have not received any feedback about their submission.
“This is incredibly disappointing. We have a Government that says they are committed to improving the education rates of our rangata’i but in reality, they are still not connecting with iwi, ‘apu and w’anau.”
She says Ngati Ruanui support the option of building the new school.
“It is apparent to us the current model is failing our tamariki. Our rangata’i needed the review to go further, we wanted more emphasis on the success of all rangata’i. The school must reflect the community and there is an expectation that Ngati Ruanui will be represented at all levels. Key for us is the school must be extensively resourced to address the...
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