MP out of the loop on school

The former Arataki Holiday Camp is owned by the Ministry of Education.

Hastings-based Tukituki MP Craig Foss is asking urgent questions about a new school in his electorate, admitting he has been caught "on the hop" with the revelation that it is to be built on the site of the Arataki Motor Camp in Havelock North.

A minister outside Cabinet, Mr Foss said last night that he had been aware a new kura kaupapa, focused on teaching in Maori, was proposed for Hastings but learned of the actual location only by asking after he had heard of the possible site.

"Basically I was surprised that the Arataki camp was the location, so I've asked for a briefing from the minister," he said.

Tukituki MP Craig Foss caught on the hop.

Questions have been asked by such people as Hastings District Council member and recently-retired long-time school principal Malcolm Dixon. Mr Foss said questions being asked about the location and demand are "all fair questions," and he also wants to know.

"It's not about the type of school," he said. "It's about the impact on existing schools.

"I'm really holding-out until I hear more from the minister." Mr Foss expects the answers from Minister of Education Hekia Parata today or tomorrow.

"Yes, caught on the hop, it's a surprise," Mr Foss said.

Mr Dixon was aware Arataki had been bought by the ministry several years ago as a site for a new school, in anticipation of growth in the rolls of such schools as Te Mata Primary.

"That didn't happen," said Mr Dixon, who describes the placing of a kura kaupapa on the site as "bizarre".

In a letter to the editor of Hawke's Bay Today, he asked five questions.

"What is the optimum roll for the new kura and how many of these students (aged 5-18) will actually live in Havelock North ?" he asked.

"Where are the additional students going to come from and how are they going to get there?

"What expense is going to incur on a weekly basis on transportation?"

He questioned whether any opinions had been sought and asked: "What consultation has been carried out with local residents, educationalists and iwi as to the suitability of this location?

"What other locations within the Hastings District have been considered?

"Is it going to be the first Charter School in Hawkes Bay? Will common sense prevail?" Mr Dixon asked.