• Howick and Pakuranga Times
And going back to school means they have to dig deep to pay for stationery, fees and school uniforms.
One parent is frustrated about the high costs of getting his children spick and span, and ready to learn.
Partha Roop’s main concern is a lack of competition in the supply of school uniforms.
“We have only one shop in Howick, John Russell Menswear, which is the only provider for school uniforms in this area as far as I know,” he says.
Last year, Mr Roop was overseas for six months. When he returned from Germany he had to buy uniforms for his daughter at Wakaaranga School in Farm Cove and his son at Macleans College, Bucklands Beach.
“You wouldn’t believe I had to pay something in the order of $1200 just for one [set] of school uniforms each for the two of them,” Mr Roop told the Times.
“I was shocked because the uniform prices for Macleans are way over the top for us.”
This year, Mr Roop’s wife bought their daughter a new tunic that cost about $85 and he says he was “completely blown away”.
He inquired about the consistently high prices and was told by the retailer that it is because the clothing is made in New Zealand.
“That’s fair enough because high-quality clothes can be expensive.
“But my point is, as consumers, we should have the right to choose the quality of uniforms we can afford and we do not have that right.”
Mr Roop has not approached the schools but did discuss the issue with Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson because he deemed his MP had the authority to approach schools.
Mr Williamson wrote to schools but, to date, has only had a reply from Farm Cove Intermediate’s board of trustees’ chairman Rhys Andrews.
He says: “We have taken a responsible approach, having only one uniform for the whole year and offering a range of choices within that uniform to save parents additional cost.”
In response to suggestions of alternative suppliers such as The Warehouse and Postie Plus, Mr Andrews says the suppliers do not stock uniforms, or only offer generic ones.
“The cost differential between our current, reliable and supportive supplier and Postie Plus is negligible.
“But if we added in setting up and other conditional costs, it would be almost the same if not more.”
Farm Cove Intermediate principal Madeline East told the Times that their uniform and fabric is specific to the school.
When asked if the school makes money from new uniform sales, Ms East replied “absolutely not”.
The school operates a second-hand uniform sale, which is a small fundraiser, and Ms East says the items sell like hotcakes.
“This is the first time I’ve ever had to answer a query,” says Ms East. “I think that most parents have grasped the concept that schools, especially secondary and intermediate schools, do have uniforms and we do not control the costs or make anything out of it.”
“The belief is that if the students look smart, then they will take pride in their appearance as the majority do,” he says.
Macleans recently changed its uniform. Research into the changes took more than a year to ensure the students looked smart but still in keeping with the conservative requirements of the college.
The decision to change was made by the board of trustees and senior managers.
There is a phase-in period to assist parents and the college has done away with separate summer and winter shorts, reducing overall uniform costs.
The shorts can be worn by boys from years 9 to 13.
“The college has had a long relationship with John Russell Menswear as this company provides the quality and style required,” says Mr Bentley.
“John Russell, along with a number of other businesses associated with the college, is a generous sponsor of all kinds of events at the college.”
Students have the option of buying clean, quality second-hand clothes from a shop located at the school.
Mr Roop has not bought second-hand uniforms and is not in favour of that alternative because he believes new school uniforms should be offered at competitive prices like other commodities in New Zealand.
Retailer’s position
SCHOOLS are responsible for researching and selecting the uniforms worn by students.
John Russell, owner of John Russell Menswear in Howick, supplies uniforms for many schools in Howick and Pakuranga.
When the Times asked Mr Russell if he returns any commission or funds back to schools, he said: “That’s sort of confidential to be honest.”
He says most schools select quality New Zealand-made clothing and few items are returned to the shop.
“Every school is individual and has its own top, bottoms and jumpers,” says Mr Russell.
“There’s nothing generic anymore. That means smaller runs, cloth has to be imported, specially monogrammed, and things like that.”
Some schools have tried operating their own uniform shop but have returned the business to Mr Russell because it is an easier and more effective option.
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