February 18, 2019
Extra study critical to Tipene plan
One of the former St Stephen’s old boys behind a plan to reopen the school says a boarding environment offers the best hope for educating Māori boys.
Te Kani Kingi says the statistics point to a crisis, with half of Māori boys not attending secondary school regularly, and they’re the most likely to leave without a qualification.
He says the response from mothers who turn up to hui to discuss the proposal to reopen Tipene say they’re desperate for a solution.
He says a single sex boarding school provides a positive opportunity to develop a solution that promotes the best outcomes for Māori.
"The advantage that you get with a boarding facility is it doesn't just operate from 9am to 3pm, and there's an opportunity for us to explore options, particularly academic options, after hours. The fundamental focus will be on educational and academic development," Dr Kingi says.
He says too many schools are only interested in Māori boys to strengthen their first fifteen.
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