W Education Hostel - 27 April 2018

Background

The Chief Review Officer under Sections 328E – 328 H of the Education Act 1989 has the authority to review all hostels as long as there are boarders in the hostel from one or more schools where they are enrolled. 

Context

W Education Hostel accommodates up to 20 boarders. It is owned by Eric Kim. The hostel is located in Whangarei and provides accommodation for Korean boarders who attend local schools as international students. At the time of this review, the seven boarders who live in the W Education Hostel are enrolled at Matarau School, Excellere College and Huanui College. 

Findings

The hostel manager and hostel owner have attested that they have met the requirements of the hostel regulations 2005. 

Boarders are well cared for in a nurturing and friendly environment.  They appreciate the help and support they receive from hostel staff. Routines are well managed. Boarders are positive about the quality of meals provided. Staff make every effort to provide for the emotional and physical needs of students. 

Relationships are positive and supportive. Boarders demonstrate care and consideration for each other. They appear settled and comfortable in the hostel accommodation and wider living environment. 

ERO discussed with hostel staff the need to make sure hostel documentation is kept up-to-date and reflects the daily activities of hostel life. There has been confusion about the requirement for hostel staff to have completed New Zealand police vet processes. Since ERO’s review these processes are now in place. 

Compliance

The hostel owner must ensure that all permanent staff members, and all people (excluding boarders and parents) who have regular access to the hostel or have unsupervised contact with boarders, are the subject of rigorous suitability checks (including Police vetting). [Hostel Regulations 2005 61 (2b)]

About the hostel