Wellington Haves and Have-Nots

There seems to be another major administrative cause for unequal opportunities in primary education. Consider the following complaints.

In 1969 the Wellington Branch of the NZEI (primary teachers organization) received a report from is Welfare Committee. After a tour of city schools the Committee noted that they had gained the impression 'advocacy is better and pressure stronger in Wellington's more sought after suburbs'. The report of the Welfare Committee two years later noted the impression seemed to be confirmed. 'Schools in the south and east are in the main neglected and without firm plans for replacement and remodelling'.

Towards the end of last year the MP for Island Bay, Gerald O'Brien strongly criticized the distribution of funds by the Wellington Education Board. He suggested a line might be drawn through Wellington separating the haves from the have-nots. Mr. O'Brien said it seemed evident from the estimated expenditure of the Board in their works program for classroom replacement, administration and library upgrading that the state of affairs was being perpetuated. At a rough calculation 87% of the funds for these works were being spent in the Wellington West area, and only 13% allocated to the Wellington East area.

The Education Board reply amounted to a denial of charges but did not satisfy Mr. O'Brien who challenged the Board to publish figures on expenditure over the last five years. The challenge has not been taken up.