Winter Solstice: the Darkest Night in Education

On the longest night of the year, teachers and students gathered to discuss the darkening of access to and quality of education
June 21st, 2012, 4:00pm


The Winter Solstice was observed last night by a gathering of students, lecturers, teachers and other workers who are concerned about attacks on education.

Despite the rain and cold, more than sixty people gathered in the amphitheatre of the Music School at the University of Auckland to talk about the recently announced budget cuts, and other attacks on education.

University student Anne Schonland said, “This is the longest night of the year, but it is also a dark time for education in this country. This government’s attacks on the education sector are darkening our futures and our children’s futures.”

Primary school teacher Robin Hall added, “It is heartening to see all of us here. It shows we’re not going anywhere, that we will continue to fight these attacks side-by-side with our young people.”

Disgruntled groups from across the education sector are planning a public demonstration at 1pm on Saturday 21st July at Britomart. The protest is aptly named ‘Show and Tell’.

ENDS