Dear Ministry of Education,

I am writing to draw your attention to the urgent importance for a high school to service the rapidly growing areas of Kumeu, Huapai, Riverhead and their surroundings in West Auckland. This request stems from several critical factors affecting the families of these regions.

Firstly, there has been a huge growth with new housing developments in these areas, attracting a growing number of residents and with much more development in the pipeline (Fletchers proposed development of Riverhead Area) we can only expect more. This population increase has and will naturally led to a higher demand for educational facilities, particularly at the secondary level. Daycares are being built and Riverhead Primary School is being extended (again) and yet there is no urgency for a high school? The land where Matua Ngaru is, should have been marked for an intermediate/high school Year 7-13, freeing up Year 7/8 numbers at the local primary schools.

Secondly, current high school students are compelled to travel long distances to attend schools. The excessive commuting times not only impose financial and logistical burdens on families but also detract from the students' overall MENTAL well-being and their academic performance.

Lastly, Massey High School is currently operating beyond its capacity and has large housing developments being completed in the immediate area (Redhill's). This will push it beyond it's limits. The overcrowding undermines the quality of education and places additional stress on the already strained infrastructure. Where will the Northwest children go when Redhill's is completed?

The combined effect of these issues continues to significantly impact the quality of learning and the quality of life for our tamariki, our students. Therefore, I urge the Ministry to consider expediting the establishment of a high school servicing these communities to better serve the educational needs.

Thank you for your attention to this extremely critical and urgent matter. I look forward to your positive response.

Yours faithfully,
Kerensa