For many Ashhurst families, including mine, the school bus service is vital for getting our children to school safely and on time. Our children's education greatly depends on this service.

Nowadays, Ashhurst school buses are under threat of being discontinued. This is a harsh blow to the families of students in Ashhurst, where the majority of families rely on these services for daily school commuting. With the lack of public transport options, discontinuing the school buses can severely disrupt the education of these children.

Over 30% of New Zealand's students rely on school bus to get to school every day according to the Ministry of Education. However, maintaining bus services is not only about providing transport. It's about ensuring all children, regardless of where they live, have equal access to education.

We, the parents, realize the cost pressures and acknowledge that authorities and transportation companies should work in harmony. But compromising on children's education by discontinuing bus services is not the solution.

We hereby ask the Ministry of Education and Horizons Regional Council to collaborate and find alternatives to keep these school buses running. The future of our children depends on it. We humbly ask you to support our cause to keep our children's education accessible and equitable.

Please, sign this petition to support the continuity of the Ashhurst school buses operation.