Lawyers for the school at Gloriavale, the Christian community on New Zealand's West Coast, have told the High Court in Wellington that the decision to cancel its registration was unlawful and should be overturned, RNZ reports.
Secretary for Education Ellen MacGregor-Reid moved to deregister the 80-pupil private school over concerns that it was not a physically and emotionally safe place for students. It has stayed open while the board's judicial review is heard.
On Monday, counsel Richard Raymond KC argued the closure was rushed and disproportionate. The court heard the Ministry of Education had criticised the board's handling of an allegation of historic sexual assault involving a staff member; Mr Raymond said the board took all reasonable steps. Identifying details have been suppressed. He also disputed earlier claims that the school had employed staff with unsuitable convictions.
Source: RNZ
