Post-Christchurch attack lockdown review initiated

Katrina Casey, Deputy Secretary Sector Enablement and Support ha announced that “when police imposed a city-wide lockdown in Christchurch last Friday, our schools, kura and early learning centres did the best job they could of keeping their children safe, in very challenging circumstances”.

She emphasised that children’s safety and wellbeing are paramount and it is very important that schools are able to protect their children.

“Because this lockdown was for a significant period of time, covered a large area of a major city, affected a very large number of families and occurred at a time of uncertainty about the nature of the events that were unfolding it is even more important than usual that we undertake a review of all aspects of the lockdown.

“We will be doing that review in conjunction with Police and the three Principal’s Associations and will be seeking views from parents as well. We expect the Review will help inform appropriate advice to all schools and early learning centres.”

The Review will get underway from the 2 April and will take at least a few weeks to complete.

“We are also mindful that the term break will shortly occur and we need to ensure everyone who wants to have input can do so,” Ms Casey added.