Source: Radio New Zealand
Wesley College is in Paerata, south of Auckland. (File photo) RNZ / Shannon Haunui-Thompson
A school’s board has been dissolved after a spate of safety issues at its boarding hostels.
Earlier this month, Wesley College, in Paerata south of Auckland, started legal proceedings against the Ministry of Education after the ministry suspended the school’s licence to house boarders.
The ministry said that those taking NCEA exams and international students would be allowed to stay in the dorms until the end of the term, but Year 9 and 10 students needed to leave immediately. The school wanted the dorms to stay open for all students until the end of the year and said the legal action related to the “abrupt closure directive” relating to the younger students.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Methodist Church, which founded the school, said it would commission an external review into the current Wesley College Trust Board, which had been dissolved.
Senior church leaders would take over the board in the interim.
The president of the Methodist Church, Te Aroha Rountree, said the decision was made after careful reflection about the school’s future direction and the Church’s responsibilities as its founder.
“Wesley College holds a special place in the life of the Methodist Church and across generations of families who have been part of its story. Our decision to pause, review, and renew its governance is about ensuring the college has the strongest possible foundation for the years ahead.
“This is a time to listen, to learn, and to rebuild with integrity and care. The wellbeing of students, staff, and whānau remains at the heart of everything we do.”
The church said the review would “inform the reconstitution of a refreshed trust board structure”.
Rountree acknowledged the “generous service” of outgoing board members.
“Their commitment and aroha for the college over many years have been immense. This step continues the shared goal of a vibrant and thriving Wesley College community.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
