PRESS RELEASE

MINISTER WRONGLY QUOTES PRINCIPAL IN THE HOUSE TODAY

Minister Parata stated that a principal had stated he was recommending to principals in Te Tai Tokerau to suspend children with behavioural needs unless the necessary help was received and condemned this action.

Pat Newman, President of Te Tai Tokerau Principals Association refutes this incorrect statement to the House by the Minister.

“That was never said. I was very careful with my wording. What I said very clearly was I was thinking of recommending… quite different. It was a cry for the necessary help for these children that we are not receiving. ” he said.

Mr Newman went further saying, “It was further disappointing that the Minister made this statement as she would have had access to the press release, and seemed to be trying to win points rather than address the real problem. It seems to be more a question of shooting the messenger.

On one hand we have the Principals and the teachers of Te Tai Tokerau saying there is totally inadequate resources to deal with this growing problem, and on the other hand we have a Minister that seems more intent on playing word games.”

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