Stop Containers Through Kohi opposes container trucks travelling through Orakei, Kohimarama and St John's to reach the depot in Morrin Rd in Mt Wellington.

The group says drivers should use a motorway route instead.

Noise and difficulty getting out of driveways are some of the difficulties cited.

Ports of Auckland head of communications Matt Ball said the organisation encourages truck drivers to use the motorway, but it doesn't have the power to direct them to do so.

But the chairman of the port committee for the National Road Carriers said the protestors' concerns are not backed up by survey results.

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The president of the association, Peseta Kasiano Ioane, said the cheque, presented earlier this month, is to help out with teachers' pay.

"We received a request from the school that they needed help with the teachers' salaries," he said.

St Joseph's deputy principal Br Bryan Stanaway acknowledged the support from the association.

It would enable the college to recognise its staff, he said, and enable them to catch up on pay rates for teachers in government schools.

"As you are aware, the teachers have a seven per cent pay rise across the nation," Br Bryan said.

"We just couldn't do that until the association came forward and said this is our help towards the staff salaries."

He said he wasn't sure the donation would quite cover the pay rise.

But he suggested that the difference could be made up and said the grant made it possible to continue for the rest of the year.

Br Bryan praised St Joseph's teaching staff for their professionalism, with the school having its best academic results in three years, in terms of students qualifying to attend the National University of Samoa.

The college has 22 full time teachers, plus a secretary and other workers who keep the college running.

Sources

• Samoa Observer
• Image: Samoa Observer

Robert Batters has withdrawn his children because he had concerns about their safety and wellbeing. He said his decision was a result of a range of concerns including nepotism at the school, financial mismanagement and bullying.

He said he was one of a group of parents who had concerns with the way the school was being run.

Board of Trustees chairman Anthony Fisher confirmed there were several issues affecting the school but would not say what they were.

"All I can say is the board are aware of some issues and we're working through the appropriate processes with the appropriate support. Just some general issues that have been raised in the community and that's it."

Education ministry Chris Dey confirmed it had been approached by members of the school and an independent contractor had been appointed to oversee the school while an investigation is carried out. The ministry has not ruled out appointing a limited statutory manager if the issues are serious enough and cannot be rectified.

Source

• TVNZ
• Waikato Times
• Image: The Telegraph.co.au