School assessing impact of Benson-Pope attack

Bayfield High School in Dunedin says Assoc Education Min Benson-Pope was well-regarded by former colleagues

13 May 2005
National and Act's joint attack on Associate Education Minister David Benson-Pope is being put down to electioneering.

Act leader Rodney Hide and National's welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins have accused Mr Benson-Pope of tying up students and stuffing tennis balls in their mouths, while he was a teacher at Bayfield High School in Dunedin.

Principal Dennis Slowley never worked with Mr Benson-Pope, but says he is highly regarded by his former colleagues. He will meet with senior administrators to minimise the impact of the claims on the students, especially Mr Benson-Pope's children who attend Bayfield.

Mr Slowley says it is election year and politicians tend to behave poorly. He says the school should not be used as a political pawn.

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