On what date(s) were schools in Gisborne formally notified of cancellation of school bus routes, and what consultation, if any, took place prior to that notification?

Answer

I am advised by the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) that when a school bus route is changed, the Ministry normally provides the affected schools with a school term’s notice. The Ministry formally notified Gisborne schools of the school bus route changes on 12 December 2025 for changes scheduled for implementation in Term 2, 2026. As per my response to written parliamentary questions 7325 (2026), I have agreed with the Ministry’s advice to pause the implementation of the Term 2, 2026 changes to its Gisborne school bus services.