Education Minister Hekia Parata has met with the Phillipstown Board of Trustees and principal to discuss consultation process on the proposed merger, following a judicial review on the decision.
The High Court found the government had not adequately consulted and the process behind the decision to merge it with Woolston was unlawful.
Ms Parata said it was another opportunity to respond to questions about the timeframes around the consultation process.
"My overarching concern is to achieve certainty for the Phillipstown and Woolston school parents and communities. This is why I expect to announce my final decision in March 2014 which will be 18 months since consultation began."
"I am following the High Court judgment which provided for continued consultation on one aspect of the proposed merger, namely, information about 'costs'.
The Ministry was working closely with the school to ensure it had the information it requires, she said.
"I want to resolve all the Board's procedural issues now, so that the Phillipstown and Woolston communities can enjoy a complete break over Christmas, and we can continue the consultation as soon as the new school year begins."