The High Court will hear arguments on Monday about the future of the West Coast Christian community's private school, after Education Secretary Ellen Macgregor-Reid moved to cancel its registration. The decision followed a second failed audit by the Education Review Office (ERO) in as many years, with officials citing serious concerns that the school is not a physically and emotionally safe place for students.
Documents released to RNZ under the Official Information Act detail the board's response. In a letter to Macgregor-Reid on 14 November last year, the board said it was deeply concerned that the Ministry of Education's approach was legally flawed and procedurally unfair, and that closing the school would be a disproportionate response.
"It is an overuse of state power on a religious and cultural minority," the letter said. "The school has wholeheartedly committed to doing whatever is asked of it to meet the required standard (if it does not already)."
The board added that there was no lack of engagement, passion or goodwill to do what was required, noting "very significant improvements" made to the school over the preceding two years as evidence of its commitment.