Alliance Party media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday 7 November 2007

Alliance Party says united approach needed by education unions

The Alliance Party says education unions should be working together to push for more funding for the education of New Zealand's children and young people.

Alliance Party education spokesperson Richard Wallis says he differs from PPTA president Robin Duff who has commented that entrenched pay parity agreements with primary schools are preventing post-primary teachers from gaining better wages and conditions.

"The Alliance says all education unions need to work together to push for a serious investment in the education of our children and young people. We strongly support the PPTA but believe a divided approach is not the best way to achieve our common goals."

Mr Wallis says retention and recruitment issues in schools can be improved by all teachers and education unions pushing for more investment in the sector.

He says the Alliance Party has a responsible approach to education and its role in society.

"There is a lot of talk about a knowledge economy, but talk is cheap. As National and Labour engage in a tax cut frenzy, the Alliance says we need to direct our resources into the future of our children and young people, not a consumer spendup."

The Alliance policy supports pay parity for primary and secondary teachers, recognising the importance of the work done across both sectors.

Mr Wallis says the only way to attract top quality education professionals is by increasing the total investment in the education of New Zealand’s students.

"Good teachers and small class sizes are the foundation for a top quality education for all New Zealand children regardless of their family wealth or background."

ENDS

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