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Wikileaks shows education still under threat in TISA deal
Wikileaks shows education still under threat in TISA
deal
The latest Wikileak on the Trade in Services
Agreement (TISA) shows that New Zealand and other countries
are continuing to push for private education corporation to
be included in the deal, and NZEI Te Riu Roa is imploring
the Government to come clean about the details.
NZEI National Secretary Paul Goulter said the leaked information showed that the deal would stop sovereign nations from enacting laws and regulations that would in any way hinder foreign corporations from setting up in any country, maximising their profits and dominating the local market.
“The Saudi sheep debacle is going to be nothing compared to the legal threats that private education mega-corporates like Pearson Group will use to hold our government hostage if they don’t get their way in our public education system,” said Mr Goulter.
“The advantage for New Zealand education companies trading overseas is going to be miniscule compared to the damage to our public education system and our right to make laws in that benefit New Zealanders. We are asking this government to put the best interests of New Zealanders ahead of the needs of foreign corporations.
“Education needs to be off the negotiating table, along with other public services. Even better, we should walk away from the whole mess.
“As more details come to light, the Government line, ‘We can’t talk about secret negotiations, just trust us’ is becoming increasingly hollow,” said Mr Goulter.
ends
NZEI Te Riu Roa
New Zealand Educational Institute
NZEI Te Riu Roa members work in every community in New Zealand, leading and advocating for quality public education.
We are the 50,000 principals, teachers and support staff who work in primary, area and secondary schools as well as early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services. We come together as NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand's largest education union, a Treaty based organisation and a powerful advocate for quality public education.
We have the most important job in New Zealand - educating for the future.
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