Back to school

It is to be hoped that the truth will eventually emerge as to the ministry’s dishonesty regarding the two Marlborough colleges.

I would like to know how a ministry official in the building’s division could boast in February 2013 that they had a great plan for the Marlborough colleges based on their work with the Christchurch schools such as Aranui months before the survey that was forced on the Marlborough Colleges. I would like the fact that the boys’ college had no major earthquake damage to be repaired made known.

I would like an honest survey, one that did not have a shiny whole red apple representing the relocated school on a greenfields site, and an apple core representing the lesser option of doing up the current schools.

I would like the community to be aware of the huge loss of facilities if we move from the current sites. I would like to hear from the Ma¯ ori owners of the school land as to their preferences. I would like a public meeting where people were allowed to ask questions rather than being blocked. I would like the chance to not only celebrate what might be great about flexible learning environments but also look at the disadvantages suffered overseas.

Let us hope that the ministry, backed into a corner, does not simply insist on their plan for the boys’ college and girls’ college combining on the present girls’ college site.

DAN SEARLE

Blenheim, April 13. Surely DOC and Tbfree are far more worthy of criticism.

GEOFF GUENOLE

Wellington, April 13.