Media Release
2 September 2008
From NZEI Te Riu Roa West Auckland Branch
For use immediately
--------------
Public Meeting: EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT FOR WEST AUCKLAND
7:30pm, Thur, 18th Sept,
Unitec Lecture Theatre,
Ratanui Street,
Henderson
The West Auckland Branch of NZEI Te Riu Roa has organised an election meeting where all major political parties will
outline their education policies. The meeting is open to all people who work in education and any member of the public
who has a concern for our childrens' future.
"Education is going to be an important issue during the 2008 election for our children, parents and communities in West
Auckland," says NZEI Te Riu Roa West Auckland Spokesperson - Anna Lee. The Meeting will be addressed by the Minister of
Education Chris Carter and representatives from the main political parties including The Greens, Maori Party , NZ First,
and Nats.
"Education is crucial to the future of New Zealand and by and large people can be assured that their children receive a
good education", says Anna Lee. "There are however some pressing issues that need to be addressed in education. These
include class sizes, funding for public schools, fair pay for low wage support staff, continuation of the '20 Hours Free
Early Childhood Education', keeping schools in public ownership and special education."
During election year the public and NZEI members are looking at the education policies each political party has.
"We don't want education to go backward" says Anna Lee "but we do want to see what progressive education policies each
political party will campaign on in 2008."
ENDS