NZPF applauds Strategy, calls for political leadership
-Speech at launch of Schooling Strategy, Newlands Intermediate School-
The New Zealand Principals’ Federation is extremely supportive of the Schooling Strategy document. It is not, and should
not be seen as, another electioneering ploy by politicians. The Schooling Strategy is an important document that has
huge ramifications on the direction of education in New Zealand. In fact, it is so important that I believe its release
should have perhaps been delayed until we after the election. I want to ensure this document is not seen as a partisan
political ploy, rolled out during the “silly season” of electioneering simply to gain votes.
The Schooling Strategy has been developed over a considerable time, using a consultation process involving all sectors
of the compulsory education area. Parents, principals, teachers and staff have all had several opportunities to take
part in this process. It clearly outlines the aspirations and direction that we, the citizens of New Zealand, want
education to fulfil over the next five to ten years. In that aspect, it is one of the most important documents ever
written on New Zealand Education.
I have for quite a while believed that education is too important to continue to be in the hands of any politician. No
political party has the right to use the education system as a political football. Education is not a thing to abuse,
manipulate and change at whim, in the hope of short term popularity and votes. It is for this reason that I publicly
call upon all politicians, no matter what party they represent, to show real leadership at this time. Please work with
all of those involved in the inception of the Schooling Strategy, in a genuine manner, to ensure that what is contained
within this document can be realised.
In that way, our education system will not only continue to work extremely well, it will develop even further, for the
benefit of our nation and its children.
Thank you.
ENDS