School enrolment zoning procedure begins

THE process of creating school enrolment zones in Wanaka has begun between the board of Wanaka Primary School and the establishment board of the new Wanaka South School.

Both boards met Ministry of Education officials recently to share information and model ling that would help determine the zones.

Wanaka Primary School board chairman Andrew Howard said the zones would incorporate the communities of Wanaka, Albert Town, Luggate, Cardrona and Glendhu Bay.

Hawea Flat School already had a school zone, he said.

The process of developing the zones will involve consultation with the community as well as the boards of trustees of all affected schools.

Mr Howard said it was not certain when that would happen, but both boards were ‘‘keen to do it as soon as possible’’.

Wanaka South School establishment board chairman Ian Hall said Upper Clutha people would have plenty of opportunities to have their say.

Enrolment zones are used to ensure schools do not become overcrowded and give children who live in the school area a guarantee that they can go to their local school.

Wanaka Primary School has experienced 83% roll growth since 2011 and will end the year with around 750 pupils.

Wanaka South School is set to open in 2020 and will initially cater for 400 pupils.

The new school is calling for applications for the role of foundation principal.

Applications close on September 14.