Associate Education Minister Tracey Martin had a homecoming of sorts at an Education Horowhenua meeting held at Waiopehu College this week.
Minister Martin, who was born in Levin, attended the meeting at the invitation of Education Horowhenua member Liam McLeavey, who said it was a chance to discuss with the minister education issues specific this area.
Education Horowhenua also tabled an Education Action Plan at the meeting that highlighted a district-wide collective approach to education in the region.
McLeavey said the plan was the result of a lot of hard work from Education Horowhenua in recognising the need for a collective approach to education through different educational bodies.
A key point raised in discussions was the focus on the well-being of students and the need for connectivity through the different bodies, starting from early childhood education through to employment as a young adult.
It was a chance to share concerns and highlight where resources could be focused to best support students and their families.
McLeavey said among issues raised was the success of the teen parenting unit at Waiopehu College.
"It's an example of the community coming together and reducing barriers to education," he said.
The last time a minister attended an Education Horowhenua meeting was Hekia Parata in 2016.