Father let daughter skip weeks of school to work

A Blenheim man who allowed his 14-year-old daughter to miss weeks of schooling so she could work in a fast-food restaurant has been convicted on a charge of allowing truancy.

Richard Meechang admitted the charge but told Blenheim District Court that school was a "waste of time" for his daughter.

"This whole thing is getting out of hand - it's cost me $800 in lost wages - it's a bit pathetic and a waste of time," he added.

Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Rex Morris said Meechang's daughter was a pupil at Marlborough Girls' College and, from October 2003 until August 2004, she missed 80 school days without reasonable excuse.

"They were warned of the ramifications by truancy officers who wrote letters and conducted meetings," Mr Morris said.

"She continued to be absent and was employed at [fast-food restaurant] KFC with Meechang's consent until KFC was informed by Youth Aid that she was working illegally."

The girl, who has since turned 15, has legally left school and is attending a polytechnic, Mr Morris said.

Commenting on the case, Marlborough Girls' College principal Greta Firth said parent-aided truancy was always difficult but that parents were responsible for making sure their children attended school.

- NZPA