Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Funding The Basics Brilliantly Would Be A Start
Both major parties needed to have prioritised ongoing new investment in children and education in their allowances for new spending, NZEI Te Riu Roa president Mark Potter said today.
“The two fiscal plans released this week made pre-commitments to health cost pressures which is important.”
“There is a missed opportunity however in both the main parties’ plans to set aside funding to help tamariki reach their full potential and have the right education support they need.”
“This could include reducing wait times for specialist learning support so children with additional learning needs don’t have to wait months and months to get the help they need to succeed.”
“It could include resourcing a pathway towards fluency in Te Reo Māori for educators.”
“It could include committing to parity for private and community based early childhood teachers with their primary and kindergarten colleagues so that these centres can continue to attract and retain great teachers to bring the best out in tamariki at these critical early years.”
“It could include lowering class sizes in schools and ratios in early childhood education so that tamariki get a stronger connection with their teacher and more one on one time.”
“It could include funding a dedicated Learning Support Coordinator or SENCO in every school and early childhood centre and funding an expansion of the ORS criteria so that it is based on need, rather than a fixed amount of funding available.”
“It could include a lot of things which would make a demonstrable impact on the lives of children. We look forward to working with whoever forms government next month to keep this on top of their minds as they are making decisions which affect our youngest citizens,” Mark Potter said.
NZEI Te Riu Roa
New Zealand Educational Institute
NZEI Te Riu Roa members work in every community in New Zealand, leading and advocating for quality public education.
We are the 50,000 principals, teachers and support staff who work in primary, area and secondary schools as well as early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services. We come together as NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand's largest education union, a Treaty based organisation and a powerful advocate for quality public education.
We have the most important job in New Zealand - educating for the future.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
