Pathetic claims over a second cousin

I’m sorry, but how is this even news? Stuff reports:

A new Christchurch school, which will be run by a relative of Education Minister Hekia Parata, is waiting on government approval.

The school, Te Pa O Rakaihautu, was endorsed by the ministry just weeks before work began on the overhaul of the city’s education in October last year.

It is understood the final application is lodged and awaiting approval. Te Pa is chaired by Parata’s second cousin, Rangimarie Parata Takurua, sparking accusations from Labour of a conflict of interest.

I know it is the opposition’s job to try and invent scandals, but this one is pathetic.

A second cousin?

Can anyone out there tell me they seriously think a second cousin is a conflict? How about third or fourth? I’m not sure even a first cousin would be. Hell, I haven’t even met all my second cousins.

It will be a character school, which is similar to a charter school. Both are state-funded and have the power to develop their own way of teaching.

Te Pa was endorsed in September last year by former education minister Anne Tolley before Parata took over the education portfolio after the November general election.

So what is the issue, and why is this even worth the space?

Labour associate education spokesman Chris Hipkins said there was a clear conflict of interest that should have been revealed.

He said the ministry was working to “clear the decks” for privately run schools.

This is a public school! The Labour paranoia against the private sector is infectious.