Peachey has school in his sights again

Allan Peachey

Fresh accusations of intimidatory behaviour have been levelled against National MP Allan Peachey, after he wrote a blunt letter to Selwyn College demanding answers about its performance.

In the letter obtained by the Herald, Mr Peachey told the co-principals of Auckland's Selwyn College that the school's performance "is not acceptable" to him as local MP for Tamaki.

Mr Peachey went on to say that students attending Selwyn College have "less chance of passing examinations than if they were attending similar schools" in other parts of Auckland.

"I seek from you your explanation for why this is so," he wrote.

The letter, sent to the college last month, is the latest instalment in a testy battle between Mr Peachey and the school.

Their differences boiled over last year when Mr Peachey had to apologise in Parliament for sending an email to Selwyn College's co-principal Carol White, which contained the parting comment: "P.S. Yes, I do have a knife in your back, so be careful!"

Since then Education Minister Steve Maharey has accused Mr Peachey of running a vindictive campaign against Selwyn - a claim Mr Peachey has vigorously denied.

Mr Maharey said yesterday that the latest letter from the National MP shows he is repeatedly communicating with the school "in a way which not only shows that he disagrees with them ... but seems to take a line where he's constantly threatening the school".

"He can't carry on this kind of behaviour which leaves the school feeling intimidated and threatened."

Mr Peachey was last night unrepentant, and said he would continue to question the school's performance until it is the "first choice school" in its community. He said accusations of a personal vendetta against the school were "nonsense".

Mr Peachey repeated earlier claims that a large majority of people who live in the vicinity of the school are actively seeking an alternative school for their children to go to.

Selwyn College board of trustees chairman John Hinchcliff strongly defended the school's performance and questioned Mr Peachey's attacks.

"It's a very stark challenge, which is not the way you'd expect to do this sort of interchange."