One size fits all? Equity in tertiary education

24 August 2004
Media Release

One size fits all? Equity in tertiary education

Cultural equity, sexual equity, work-life balance, student poverty and equity for the disabled are among the wide-ranging themes of the upcoming conference on equal opportunity for people in the tertiary education sector, in Auckland next week.

Several high-profile commentators on equity issues will speak, including Hon Tariana Turia, EEO Commissioner Dr Judy McGregor and Equal Opportunities Trust Chief Executive Phillipa Reed.

Themed ‘Equal opportunities – one size fits all?’ the conference is hosted by the Aotearoa Tertiary Equity Committee, made up of representatives from universities, colleges of education and private education providers. Auckland College of Education is coordinating the conference.

Hon Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Maori political party, will deliver a keynote speech reflecting on ‘The discovery that one size does not fit all’, drawing on early life experiences through to her initiation into Parliament.

Keynote speaker Professor Christopher Newell of the University of Tasmania will speak from the perspective of a staff member with a disability in a university, and the prevalence of ‘equal disappointment opportunity’ – the daily experience for those living outside the so-called ‘moral community.’

Delegates will be addressed on a range of issues by a number of senior staff from the Auckland College of Education and University of Auckland, Manukau Institute of Technology and Auckland University of Technology. Student leaders Fleur Fitzsimmons and Camilla Belich will highlight student poverty.

The conference is being held at the Barrycourt Hotel and Conference Centre, Parnell, Auckland on 2nd and 3rd of September. Registrations at the cost of $380 for full registration or $200 (students) are still being accepted. Enquiries to Ann Moore, a.moore@ace.ac.nz

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