Iwi advocate concerned about teachers against karakia

MEDIA STATEMENT

Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga – Iwi Advocate for Education

17 June 2013

Iwi advocate concerned about teachers against karakia

Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga is concerned that Maori pupils at Auckland’s Kelston Intermediate School may not be safe being Maori following opposition by teachers at their school to prayer being delivered in the Maori language.

“We’re saddened and disappointed that those teachers think this way, especially in light of all the efforts being done nation-wide to instil the confidence of many Maori parents in the state education system and reduce the education system’s failure of Maori children who are more likely than non-Maori to leave school too early and without any qualifications.

“If our kids are not free to express aspects of their cultural identity, because their teacher doesn’t like it, then that school needs to seriously consider whether that school is the right place for that teacher.

“If those teachers don’t want to lead the karakia then the solution is simple – get someone else to.”

NKM urged the principle and board of trustees at Kelston not to pander to requests by the teachers and their NZEI union to stop karakia being delivered in the school.

ENDS

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