Parata faces heat in Aranui

The Education Minister is already encountering heated questions as she meets with Christchurch schools today.

Hekia Parata is meeting with five schools in Aranui who could merge into a super school for years 1-13.

The Minister says Aranui Primary made their concerns clear about the proposal at this morning's meeting.

"They're not familiar with the particular concept that we're talking about, they're concerned for the safety of their children and their students."

Hekia Parata says she reassured the school that this is an opportunity to consider new ideas like shared facilities, to ensure children get the best possible education.

She will also meet with Avondale School, Aranui High, Chisnallwood Intermediate and Wainoni School today.

Chisnallwood Intermediate Principal Richard Paton says most of their community are against the proposal.

"That was the very strong feeling from those 600 people who had come out that evening to come along to the meeting to discuss the issue - 96 percent of the people did not want that."

- Newstalk ZB