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Parata meets with Redcliffs School to discuss future

Author
Charlotte Lewis-West,
Publish Date
Tue, 10 May 2016, 5:08AM
(NZH).

Parata meets with Redcliffs School to discuss future

Author
Charlotte Lewis-West,
Publish Date
Tue, 10 May 2016, 5:08AM

UPDATED: 9.15am Last night's meeting between Christchurch's Redcliffs School and the Education Minister managed to dodge the hot topic rockfall risk.

It was the last chance for the school board to discuss its case to remain open with Hekia Parata.

Board spokesman Mark Robberds told Mike Hosking the mood is positive.

LISTEN ABOVE: Mark Robberds talks to Mike Hosking

"She's certainly listening to what we had to say and last week we presented the geotech report to some of her officials as well and all we can do is just put our faith in the process being followed correctly and the minister listening to those officials."

In March, it produced a new geotechnical report, indicating future rockfall wouldn't affect the school, which was the Minister's main concern.

Principal Rose McInerney said the Minister asked them not to focus in the rockfall in the meeting.

"Because it's such a specialised area, she's keen to hear about that information from her experts, because they've worked with our experts.

"We were able to discuss little bits and pieces about the sight, we just didn't go into any great detail.

Ms McInerney said it was a positive meeting, and they feel confident the school will stay open when the announcement is made in June.

"The Minister has got to hear all the different aspects about our submission," she said.

"We were able to really present the most important aspects to her, and she listened, asked us a few questions and now she can go away and reflect on that information."

Robberds said if the Minister's decision goes against them, it'll have to be for a better reason than what's currently on the table.

"We're sure, that with the facts that we've got now with this new geotech report, the school is safe absolutely safe but not only that, safe from disruption which was the actual reason why closure was proposed."

A final decision is expected at the end of June.

 

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