Minister reveals Government's lack of concern for quality teaching

15 March 2015

An admission by the Minister of Finance Bill English that teachers can expect a paltry pay rise this year despite the so-called rock star economy shows the Government's lack of commitment to quality teaching and learning, says NZEI National Secretary Paul Goulter.

On TVNZ today the Minister signalled he expected that state sector workers including teachers would receive pay rises of no more than one or two percent this year.

Mr Goulter says it's ironic that the Government's rhetoric is all about the need for quality teachers yet it is intent on ensuring teaching becomes a low paid profession.

"This has happened overseas and the result has been disastrous for children's education."

"Bill English is once again showing the Government does not intend to deliver a fair share of the economic gain to education professionals and is unconcerned about the consequences for children."

"No wonder the Prime Minister was embarrassed when MPs would have received a 3.5 percent pay rise on the back of what is an already generous remuneration."

"Clearly the Minister has forgotten his pre-election promise that all New Zealanders would benefit from the country's economic gains."

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