NZEI Acknowledges Contribution of Secretary for Education

30th March 2011

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa would like to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment of the Secretary for Education, following the announcement of her retirement.

Karen Sewell has said she is retiring at the end of July when her contract ends.

NZEI says Karen Sewell has been chief executive of the Ministry of Education during a challenging time of significant change.

“While we have not always agreed with the course of education policy or the policies she has been tasked with carrying out, we have always appreciated her professionalism and her willingness to meet with, and listen to the voice of the sector,” says NZEI President Ian Leckie.

“She should be proud of her achievements in developing and maintaining respectful working relationships in a challenging environment.”

NZEI says the timing of Ms Sewell’s resignation and the fact she is choosing not to renew her contract raises some big questions about the government’s educational agenda.

It also believes it is worth noting that National Standards does not feature in Ms Sewell's own list of achievements as part of her retirement announcement.

ENDS

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