We are told that schools are being closed because rolls are falling. Classrooms are standing empty. Shock and Horror!

Now look at the following picture from the Ministers presentation to Upper Hutt.

I need to go slowly here. Just to keep a grip on my sanity.

This is 2003. The projection peaks in 2007. Between 2001 (the baseline for the statistics used) and 2007 the secondary school roll is going to increase by 35,000 students. But we are now closing and consolidating schools because the rolls are predicted to fall! In 2021.

And we are being told this with a straight face?

I look at the graph and I see secondary schools that are going to come under a lot of pressure. Some of those empty classrooms could be used! But no, we'll close the schools and build new classrooms as needed. Yep, money sure can't be at the bottom of this. But if we accept the Ministers explanation are we are stupid, or what?