More trouble in paradise for Northland school

By ALAN PERROTT education reporter

The people of Awarua have already been to the High Court once to save their school, so don't expect the latest attempt to shut its doors to be accepted without a fight.

The Maori immersion school, 22km south of Kaikohe, is set to merge with another in Tautoro as part of the review of central Northland schools.

It is one of eight school sites in the region which could be abandoned next year.

Te Kura o Awarua's first classes were held inside the neighbouring Mormon Church in 1920 before the school moved to a 9ha block donated by the community two years later.

Generations of Ngati Mahia have formed an emphasis on family connections to the school - all of its present pupils are related.

But though Awarua School may sit in tranquil splendour on a hilltop between two forest reserves, recent history has not been kind.

Ministry of Education officers have claimed the community has lacked the experience and expertise to run the school while ERO reports repeatedly talked of infighting, incompetence and mismanagement.

Consistent failings led then Education Minister Lockwood Smith to try to shut it down in 1995. But the community refused to accept closure and successfully argued its case in the High Court in Auckland.

Then the swift collapse of three consecutive school boards led to the appointment of a commissioner in 1998. The school's fortunes improved and in 2002 the Awarua community voted to appoint an independent governor to run the school rather than return to a board structure.

Despite the background conflicts, this tiny rural community still managed to raise $18,000 for a new library, which was completed in 2002.

Nine-year-old Joseph Wheoki said he was well aware of what was happening to his school and not looking forward to the daily 14km trip to Tautoro.

Relieving teacher Memorita Leuapulu-Heremaia said she felt an instant bond when she arrived.

"This is Eden. It's paradise," she said.

Principal Simon Ritchie is already trying to acclimatise his pupils to the change. They will begin making weekly trips to Tautoro School to use its swimming pool.

The school's community has one month to submit another case to Education Minister Trevor Mallard. His final decision will be announced in April.