By VANESSA BIDOIS
MOKAI - The Waitangi Tribunal is supporting a tiny community's fight for its historic bilingual school.
In its latest report released today, the tribunal has recommended that Mokai School, northwest of Taupo, be reopened next week.
It wants the Ministry of Education to resource and support the school for
two years on condition that the Mokai community establishes a board of trustees, that a Maori teaching principal who has the confidence of the community is appointed, and that the school has a stable roll.
Education Minister Trevor Mallard and his associate, Parekura Horomia, will discuss the recommendations with the Mokai community next month at a hui convened by Tuwharetoa paramount chief Tumu Te Heu Heu.
Members of the tight-knit rural settlement yesterday rejoiced in the decision, which has vindicated their long-running campaign. The small school was closed last October because of a low roll, Education Review Office reports that the quality of education was substandard, and the proximity of bigger schools.
Several parents, backed by the board of trustees, lodged an urgent claim with the tribunal alleging the closure breached the Treaty of Waitangi.
Former principal Haromi Koopu paid tribute to the parents who rallied to keep the 93-year-old school open. Four generations of seven hapu (sub-tribes) have been educated at Mokai. "It's time to be acknowledged that there is a place for us in this education world."
The chairwoman of the board of trustees, Mere Wall, said the tribunal report was a milestone for Mokai and would also be a beacon of hope to other schools in similar situations. "The journey has been really hard and stressful. It has made this whanau stand up and be counted."
Mr Mallard said it was impractical to reopen the school within such a short timeframe, but the Government did not want to procrastinate in addressing the issues raised by the tribunal.
"I know that many Maori parents believe their children do best when their whanau are actively involved in their schools. This Government aims to see more Maori involvement in schools, and believes this will lead to enhanced Maori achievement," he said.
According to the tribunal report, the Crown should clarify its policies and processes for intervening in the government of schools in difficulty.
