South Auckland educators set to oppose funding proposals

15 September 2016

Media Advisory: Record numbers of South Auckland educators set to oppose Govt funding proposals

What: Over 3000 NZEI Te Riu Roa and PPTA union members in South Auckland are set to gather tomorrow to discuss the Government’s proposal to reintroduce bulk funding. This will be the largest and last of over 50 meetings held around New Zealand over the past fortnight.

When: 1.30pm, Friday 16 September 2016

Where: Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Wiri, Manukau

Who: NZEI Te Riu Roa President Louise Green and PPTA President Angela Roberts will be speaking to the meeting.

The largest meeting of educators in recent memory will take place tomorrow in South Auckland tomorrow when over 3000 NZEI and PPTA members gather to close off a fortnight of meetings to discuss the Government’s proposed overhaul of school funding.

Staff from early childhood centres right through to secondary schools have gathered in unprecedented numbers to debate the Government’s radical changes.

“We’ve saved the best till last. It is fitting that the last meeting is the largest given the massive response we have had across the country over the past fortnight,” said NZEI Te Riu Roa President Louise Green.

“From Kaitaia to Stewart Island and across to the Chathams; principals, teachers, support staff, early childhood educators and Ministry of Education staff have turned out in record numbers to have their voice heard on the Government’s radical plan for change,” said Louise Green.

“Parents and our school communities trust the views of their children’s educators. It is critical the voice of those closest to children’s learning is heard in this debate,” said PPTA President Angela Roberts.

“The Government’s plans could see larger class sizes, less money for public schools, fewer teachers and narrower curriculum options. Educators have strong views on these issues and have been turning out in droves to have their say,” said Angela Roberts.

© Scoop Media