Education Minister Erica Stanford has responded to concerns about children in Hawke’s Bay hitchhiking up to 45 kilometres to school, stating that families who choose schools outside their local area must take responsibility for transportation.
The issue came to light after Hawke’s Bay father Mike Brown shared his story with Hawke’s Bay Today. Brown’s children attend Tamatea School’s Māori immersion program, but the Ministry of Education ended its bus service and transport subsidies for the family. The ministry said the school is not the closest to their home, making them ineligible for support.
Brown’s decision to allow his children to hitchhike has sparked a heated debate online. Some criticized him for putting his children at risk, while others blamed the government for cutting rural bus routes.
Minister’s Response
Stanford emphasized that the rules around school transport have not changed for years. She stated that families who opt for schools outside their local zone are responsible for ensuring their children attend.
“If you choose to go to another non-local school, then you have an obligation to get your child to school,” Stanford said. “It’s their decision, but if that’s the case, they need to make arrangements. If we provided buses for every child who didn’t want to attend their local school, we’d be bankrupt.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed he was aware of the issue and said Stanford is reviewing school transport policies. “I read the report this morning, and I know the minister is looking into it,” Luxon said. “There’s a legislative process underway to review school transport, and the minister will address it.”
Public Reaction
The story has divided public opinion. Some readers called Brown irresponsible, arguing that he should drive his children or arrange private transport. “Why can’t he take them? Family first. This father is putting his children at risk,” one commenter wrote.
Others criticized the government, calling the decision to cut rural bus routes “outrageous.” “What about the children’s safety? Nothing should be stopped when it comes to education,” another commenter said.
Some defended Brown, pointing out that the school’s Māori immersion program was a key factor in his decision. “It seems discriminatory to force them to attend a school without a Māori language program or be homeschooled,” one person wrote.
Another parent shared a personal story, saying she sympathized with Brown’s situation. She explained that moving her daughter to a new school was emotionally difficult and that the daily commute was a significant burden.
Broader Issue
The debate has also raised questions about school zoning and access to specialized programs. Some argued that parents should have the freedom to choose the best education for their children, even if it means attending a school outside their local area.
“As parents, we should be able to choose the best educational path for our children, and sometimes that’s not the nearest school,” one commenter wrote.
The controversy highlights the challenges faced by rural families and the need for a review of school transport policies to ensure all children have access to safe and equitable education.
This story is ongoing, and further updates are expected as the Ministry of Education reviews its transport policies.
