Judge says ministry can reclaim school

The Education Ministry is considering its next move after a High Court judge ruled it can reclaim possession of Orauta School, near Moerewa.

Justice John Priestley has ruled that the ministry can, if it wishes, resume its plans to reclaim the school.

Orauta School has defied ministry orders to close, and has been run all year as an unregistered Maori-language school for fewer than 40 pupils.

Managers say Maori have a right to govern their own matters, and therefore the school should remain open.

Justice Priestley's judgement means the ministry is now entitled to enforce an eviction order, if it wishes.

However, the ministry may decide to wait until after a High Court hearing in Whangarei next month in which the occupiers are appealing against an order for them to vacate the site.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)