I passed through Wanganui on Monday en route to Raetihi with a South Islander who had never been to the area before. He was impressed.
He also enjoyed the drive up the Parapara through country which doesn't exist in the South Island. We met a few people in the area and returned to Feilding via Taihape, where I hold a clinic about once a month. There is no doubt that, when driving through the region, one realises we live in an amazing country. We have some very diligent and talented urban business people, farmers and people in our communities.
I recently visited Clifton School in Bulls and James Cook in Marton. It gives me great confidence for the future of the children of our area, as these schools provide an amazing start to their lives. Both schools' pupils were polite, well-mannered and made me very welcome. One got a very strong impression that they enjoyed their schools. There is no doubt their teachers are equally enthusiastic about the role they play in those children's lives.
Throughout rural New Zealand, the school is invariably the centre of a community. It provides the social centre for many of our remote rural areas. The school is the gathering point for much that happens in rural communities, including first aid and civil defence, and a well operated school is often the last entity left.
This also means that the principal and board chairperson are key people in a community, and provide much of the leadership for those areas. So one can gather from this that schools not only educate our future but provide for the present as well, and definitely play an important role in our rural communities.
Last night, I had the opportunity to meet with New Zealand Community Law in Wellington, which is led by Wanganui's own Liz Tennent. They certainly provide a great service to many in this country.
The Wanganui Community Law branch provides services into the Taumarunui, Taihape and Marton areas. It is highly valued by those who access it.
One last thing: National Standards data has been reported for the first time this year, setting a baseline of Years 1-8 learner achievement. The Government has released the national data showing 76 per cent of our children reached or exceeded the national standard for reading, 72 per cent for mathematics and 68 per cent for writing.