Electorate News 

She has also taken the issue to the Chairman of the Auckland Regional Council, Mike Lee.

"The decision for Waiheke comes at a time when parents are struggling with rising costs of living and has come as a great disappointment to many," said Judith Tizard.

"Access to affordable and practical transport is just as crucial for the people of Waiheke as it is for the rest of New Zealand.

"We need to be sure that the public transport system will work around the school time table, it would be reasonable to assume that hourly buses are not going to cut the mustard.

"The removal of some school bus services from the island will push parents into delivering their kids to school by car, which will lead to increased congestion on Waiheke's roads.

"I am also concerned by the level of consultation undertaken by Ministry with the local community.

"Waiheke schools have told me that the first they heard of the decision was when they read about it in the local paper - this is no way to consult the people of Waiheke.

"When decisions are being made like this one, Waiheke cannot just be treated as another suburb of Auckland," said the Auckland Central MP.

Judith Tizard understands that Ministry of Education officials are meeting with ARTA today to discuss the matter further.

Last month Judith Tizard expressed her concerns to the Minister about the loss of a school bus service on Great Barrier Island, where the Ministry has indicated that due to current numbers of students on routes dropping below the required number, a specific bus route was cut.  This matter is currently being considered by Education Minister Chris Carter.

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