Ministry investigating ‘serious concerns’ about Horowhenua College’s leadership
By Mary Argue of RNZ
The Ministry of Education is investigating concerns raised about Horowhenua College in the lower North Island.
Stuff reports more than a dozen staff and community members have sent a letter to the ministry and Teaching Council raising “serious concerns” about leadership and governance at the college.
In July, teacher Asaria Saili, previously the language dean, was dismissed after an investigation upheld concerns about his conduct towards a student.
Horowhenua College presiding board member Juliana Mansvelt declined an interview with RNZ but said in a statement the school had not directly received any formal complaints.
“We are aware that concerns have been raised with the Ministry of Education and are working with the ministry while these matters are being looked into.”
She said it would not be appropriate to comment further but the board took its responsibility to provide “a safe and healthy workplace, and to govern and oversee the school effectively, very seriously”.
Mansvelt said the board regularly sought independent governance advice and concerns raised with the school would be managed through the complaints process.
She encouraged anyone with feedback or concerns to get in touch.
Teaching Council chairman Patrick Walsh confirmed it received a letter raising concerns on September 16 and it was being considered through the council’s statutory process.
“Where concerns are raised with us that fall outside our mandate, including concerns about school culture, leadership and governance, we pass those concerns on to the relevant agency, such as the Ministry of Education, to investigate.
“We will not be commenting on the contents of the letter, or on the detail or progress of any matter that may be before the council, including allegations about individuals,” he said.
In response to questions from RNZ, the ministry’s acting director of education for Greater Wellington, Te Rangipai Renata, said ministry staff met with the college principal and the board’s presiding member on Wednesday.
“We are assessing the information provided and working through our usual processes.
“When concerns are raised, it is important that we establish the facts and give those involved an opportunity to respond before reaching any conclusions.”
Renata said it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific concerns or potential outcomes while that work was underway.