Complacency leads to challenge for leadership of the NZSTA

Complacency leads to challenge for leadership of the New Zealand School Trustees Association

There’s complacency in the school trustee system – and it’s undermining the work being done by thousands of school trustees, teachers, and parent volunteers around New Zealand.

School Trustee Richard Green is challenging the incumbent President of the New Zealand School Trustee Association (NZSTA) because he says the leadership is just sitting back and letting things happen.

In his tenth year as a trustee at Pt Chevalier Primary School, and fourth year at Pasadena Intermediate School, Green, wants to see the NZSTA play more of an active role in advocating for those they represent – school boards and the children.

“Frankly it seems that the NZSTA are at the table on behalf of the ministry and Minister Parata, rather than the members or the children we advocate for. Neither government nor ministry is being challenged on key issues like global funding. We should be standing alongside the PPTA, NZEI and principal’s organisations that are saying NO,” he says.

Green is adamant that the role of the NZSTA is not to support the ministry. Rather it should be an advocate for the numerous school boards it represents.

“While it is important that there is a positive relationship and open communication between the NZSTA and the ministry, I signed up to my school board to ensure children, mine and others, are well supported in their educational outcomes, not to tick the boxes of governments, no matter what persuasion.

Green, who is the executive director of a charitable trust, offers the skills he believes are essential in this role.

“I have established and managed the longest running theatre-in-education company in New Zealand. This brings with it financial and business acumen, as well as a lens that sees things a little differently. In my time on school boards I have been through fires, two principals and lasted seven years as chairperson.

As someone who works for a board he also has a strong grip on the essence of governance, the key role of school boards.

Sporting a trademark mohawk, Green’s ability to reach across diversity is another essential platform of his campaign.

“I offer the communities I serve a commitment to always doing the best for the students. I also will challenge the status quo where I believe it is detrimental for our purpose, that of supporting all students, principals, boards, teachers and support workers in lifting achievement”

“It is time that we stood up and challenged the thinking of any government that seems focused on their agenda, at the expense of the quality education of our future generations”

The postal election is currently underway with boards having to submit their votes by the beginning of September.

Ends

© Scoop Media