Only The Big Surfboards Riding The Knowledge Wave

August 2, 2001

"The Aotearoa Tertiary Students Association (ATSA) is concerned that various groups in society are not represented at the Knowledge Wave Conference" advised ATSA National Student President Keith Clark.

Resigned by cost to watching the TV presentations, ATSA has noticed that there appear to be few representatives from Mªori , Pacific Island, disability or student groups. ATSA has already shared concerns that the very nature of the conference could be seen as elitist.

"Billed as a conference that will forge the future of New Zealand, it seems curious that Mªori issues have been spoken about often at the Conference and yet there is a conspicuous absence of significant Mªori representation" stated Clark.

"Even the schools represented at the Conference appear to be from among our most elite echelon. There does not appear to be a decile one Southern Cross College, Flaxmere High or Porirua College type school in attendance" said Clark.

"The Conference is discussing issues that affect all New Zealanders. A positive decision making process usually has all stakeholders included in the dialogue beforehand. This Conference does not appear great at doing that" advised Keith Clark.

ENDS

© Scoop Media