NewMaitaiSchool under threat in Government review
A much-needed new school for children with high and complex needs is in doubt, leaving students with an uncertain future.
Nelson’s “bursting at the seams” Maitai School in Tasman St was in the final stages of a move to a new purpose-built facility in Richmond after five years of planning and a decade of discussion.
But it has been been told by the Ministry of Education that the new school planned for a Salisbury Rd site, and a proposed satellite at Nayland College, are in doubt as the Government reviews school property.
In February, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced an independent review of the ministry’s property function after a number of building cost blowouts. The ministry paused 20 projects, but upgrades at up to 350 schools could be at risk.
Maitai School principal Jenny Milne said the news was hugely worrying as the existing base was at full capacity. If the new school did not go ahead, 13 students would have no suitable school to go to next year, she said.
The school’s primary satellites at Tāhunanui and Henley schools were also full, and other satellite classroom space for intermediate and college age students would not be available next year.
“This build project is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s a necessity,” Milne said.
“Our school is no longer fit for purpose and is bursting at the seams. If it doesn’t go ahead as soon as possible, the most complex, challenging and medically fragile students in our society will be forced into an educational setting that doesn’t meet their needs.”
Maitai School was the only day school for students with high and complex needs in the top of the south.
The school is planning a public meeting for next Thursday at 7pm to discuss the issue, and is also planning an online petition to support the new facility.
Annie Riley, whose daughter Rosie, 9, is at Maitai’s Tāhunanui satellite, said the news was devastating.
“Maitai is so integral to these kids’ development, and the fact that our kids might have to go to other schools not set up for them is pretty scary.”
Rosie had experienced mainstream schooling that did not meet her needs. In the Maitai class, specialist staff and dedicated resources had given her the tools to achieve things that may have taken years in a mainstream setting.
Parents trusted Maitai staff to look after their children as well as their family did. “It’s more than just school, it’s all the other things like being able to read them, and if they are not right, to give us a call.”
The Ministry of Education head of property, Sam Fowler, said the ministry was committed to the redevelopment of Maitai School.
He said the project was one of 352 projects across 305 schools and kura under review. “These reviews are intended to identify opportunities to achieve better value for money and support the ministry in providing quality learning spaces and facilities when and where they are needed most.”
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said the Government had to commit to the Maitai relocation.
“Disabled students have just as much of a right to education as anyone else. It is outrageous to me that the Government would choose to fund tax cuts instead of a building project that will have such a positive impact on our community here in Nelson.”
A spokesperson for Stanford said the minister had received a letter from Maitai School and had sought an urgent update.