19 August 2013

Tick for Kids agenda puts children at centre of local body elections

NZEI Te Riu Roa says a new campaign to put children at the centre of local body and DHB elections will be a good guide for voters who are looking for candidates who prioritise the health, wellbeing and education of children and young people.

The Tick for Kids campaign, launched today at Balmoral School, is a partnership between NZEI Te Riu Roa, Every Child Counts and the New Zealand Medical Association.

The campaign calls on local government and DHB candidates to sign up to a programme of policies that will champion the interests of children.

NZEI will be particularly promoting the aspects of the agenda that promote quality public education and will help lift children out of poverty.

“We are asking for candidates to advocate for the right of every child to have a qualified and registered teacher,” said Virginia Stark, NZEI Executive Council member.

“Allowing more unqualified teachers, whether in early childhood education or in charter schools, is a backward step for Kiwi children,” said Virginia Stark.

“Both central and local government need to stand up for quality public education.”

NZEI Vice President Francie Guy said that lifting children out of poverty was another priority for the campaign. “Local government can help lead the way by moving to ensure all council and contracted staff are paid a living wage of $18.40 per hour.”

“Low incomes are a major factor in educational underachievement. Lifting wages will help ensure more children come to school or early childhood education ready to learn.”

The Tick for Kids agenda for children can be found here: http://www.everychildcounts.org.nz/_w/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Tick-for-Kids-an-agenda-for-local-government.pdf

ENDS

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