Northland schools hit by bus route cuts, students face dangerous walks

Changes to school bus routes in Northland have sparked concerns and disappointment among parents and educators.

Bus route changes affecting at least seven Northland schools could mean students may have to navigate long, dangerous walks to school.

The Ministry of Education announced revised routes after a regular nationwide audit of school bus services identified routes with low use.

In the review some schools had their services cancelled while others were shortened or extended.

One of the affected schools, Whangaroa College, had its service reduced, leaving 24 students having to find alternate ways to get to school.

Principal Jack Anderson said the change was ministry policy and there was nothing the college could do about it.

“We have expressed our concerns to the Ministry of Education before and there was no favourable outcome for us.”

Anderson said some students were now relying on parents and other family to get to school, or they were having to walk.

“We are concerned, especially about those walking as they have to walk along the main highway, State Highway 10. Traffic can move quickly in those areas.”

Anderson said weather was also a concern and there may be a wider impact in winter.

Whangaroa resident Karina Newport said while her child was not yet at the college, she believed the decision was disappointing and would affect many families.

“At the end of the day, it’s about the safety of our kids. I have a stepdaughter who is 13 and there is no way in the world I would let her walk to school these days.”

Newport said the change did not seem fair for working families who could not take their kids to and from school.

Another resident, Karen Smith, encouraged parents to speak up about what she considered a “ridiculous” change.

“It’s a dangerous route to walk. There is also the danger of the weather. It gets really hot in summer and in winter you can guarantee there will be flooding, and that is a long walk, especially for a 5-year-old.

“Most parents travel about 30km to work and have to be there early, they can’t take their kids to school.

“It’s up to the parents to stand up, put your voice forward, it’s no use not making it official.”

MoE group manager for school transport James Meffan said eligible students affected by a route change may be able to apply for a conveyance allowance to assist with their transport costs.

“We encourage schools who have had services cancelled or curtailed to reach out to us if there is any change in their eligible student numbers or locations.”

Meffan said the ministry trusted that parents would prioritise their children’s education and “meet their obligation to access education”.

“Attending school regularly is fundamental to achieving positive educational and life outcomes and there is a well-established relationship between attendance and student attainment and supporting their social, cultural and mental wellbeing.”