Frequently asked Questions

What is Education Kaikōura about?

Kaikōura Education is a framework for community consultation that has been developed by the Ministry of Education. This has been piloted in Kaikōura following requests from a number of different parts of the community for changes to the current education provision. The process allows for an independent facilitator to be engaged to work with the community (and the Ministry of Education through representation on the Working Group) to develop a community vision for education and then a plan for achieving that vision. The Ministry of Education then presents the vision and the plan together with its own advice to the Minster of Education for his approval.

How much of a say will the community really get?

The community will put its ideas and wishes directly to the Minister of Education. It is hoped that the Minister will be able to visit Kaikōura during the year to be briefed on the community's vision.  As well as updating the Minister throughout the process the Ministry of Education will present a final report to the Minister outlining the Education Kaikōura process, the community's vision for education and how it wishes to achieve that vision. The report will also include a section for the Ministry's comment and recommendations for the Minister. The more the community can express a unified voice, the more helpful this is in achieving the community's vision. Please take time to consider the issues that are raised through this process.

What are our options for future education in Kaikōura?

There are a wide range of options.  The job of the Education Kaikōura Working Group is to inspire the Kaikōura community to develop outstanding educational opportunities for all.  We want you to think about the issues that need to be discussed and then voice your opinion on what you think should happen.  To help open up ideas and stimulate discussion, the project will be bringing leading educationalists to Kaikōura in March and April to share the latest developments and possibilities.

Will there be more educational options available?

The community's vision for education in Kaikōura may include a range of educational options. If you consider this to be an important aspect of education in Kaikōura then please have your say when the Working Group requests feedback as part of the submissions phase.

What about education for Māori?

We expect that education for Māori (in mainstream schools as well as in bilingual and immersion environments) will be central to the vision for education that is developed by the Kaikōura community. How these aspects of education are best provided is something to be discussed and then agreed by the community.

Which schools will close?

The focus of the Education Kaikōura process is to develop a vision for education in Kaikōura for the next 15 years and then a plan for how to achieve this vision. We expect discussions around Kaikōura's vision to consider all aspects of education including the number, size and nature of schools.  Current research about what best supports student achievement will be provided as part of the working party's background material. The ministry has no pre-set agenda for this process, including closing schools, but it is committed to work with the community to achieve its vision for its children, and present this to the Minister for his decision.

Will there be an area school?

The Education Kaikōura process will enable a vision for education to be developed and then an implementation plan will be drawn up that sets out how that vision will be achieved. This may include a range of educational issues including bus routes, enrolment zones, learning opportunities for students, professional development options for teachers etc. As part of this process the community will also discuss different governance and schooling structures for the area along with the benefits and limitations of each.   There is no pre-set agenda to create an area school, but there is a commitment to work with the community to implement its vision for education for the area. This will include presenting the vision and plan to the Minister for his final decision.

Will we get a tertiary institution here?

Access to tertiary education is likely to be an important aspect of the community's vision for education for the area. This may raise opportunities for a range of options for learning in various ways. Perhaps a local branch of a tertiary institution or a local campus will be established, or videoconferencing encouraged as a means to access courses, or distance learning or something else entirely new.

How do I find out more about getting involved in the process?

Talk to Gina Solomon, phone (03) 319 6586 or email ginaandsteve@xtra.co.nz [no spam]
Write to us at PO Box 303, Nelson
Make a submission as part of the formal consultation process on the draft report in August
Invite a working group member to talk with your group or organisation