Pause for thought on new school

‘‘These guys are telling us to step aside, we're coming.’’ Graham Blank

Taupo¯ Mayor David Trewavas has called for a halt to plans for a charter school at Wairakei Village, saying the lack of consultation is ‘‘unacceptable’’.

Residents of the small village of Wairakei, north of Taupo¯ were caught by surprise when the Ministry of Education and Blue Light Ventures announced the new boarding school, in July this year.

‘‘The idea of helping kids is certainly beneficial but the complete lack of consultation is unacceptable,’’ Trewavas said.

The Blue Light Senior Boys High School is a Year 11-13 boarding school which will start next year. The opening roll of 30, will rise to 90 after three years.

The school is described by the Ministry of Education as a ‘‘kaupapa Ma¯ori special character school with and outdoor focus’’.

Last Friday Wairakei Village residents met with Taupo¯ Mayor David Trewavas, Taupo¯ MP Louise Upston and Councillor John Williamson to discuss their concerns.

The school will be located at Blue Light’s existing lodge in Wairakei Village but residents say the building isn’t suitable for 90 students and 10 staff.

Principal of the partnership school, Mike Jackson, said they can cater for up to 120 people.

At the meeting Trewavas asked for a hold to be put on the school until the resource consent has been looked over.

Taupo¯ District Council regulatory manager, Scott Devonport, said the building could sleep 78 people, including the manager’s residence, and had a dining/ kitchen area that could seat 71. The classroom can take 100 people.

Wairakei resident Graham Blank said there had been no consultation, aside from a community meeting that residents had arranged.

‘‘These guys are telling us to step aside, we’re coming.’’

Associate education minister David Seymour said that while community consultation is not required to establish the school it is an ‘‘essential component’’ of a school’s preparation for opening.

‘‘Blue Light Ventures is a very credible organisation with a comprehensive track record and a well-established relationship with the New Zealand Police,’’ Seymour said.

Jackson said they had consulted with the local iwi and also the Wairakei Primary School about the school concept.