Tracey Martin MP
Deputy Leader and
Spokesperson for Education
21 August 2014
NZEI Shows Courage in Fighting ‘Winners And Losers’ Policy
New Zealand First congratulates the membership of the New Zealand Educational Institute for their courage in standing up
against the Government’s “winners and losers” education changes.
“The government’s chief education policy, Investing in Education Success, has scored a zero with primary school teachers
and principals,” says Education Spokesperson Tracey Martin. “They have voted overwhelmingly to reject it.
“From the outset New Zealand First has spoken out against throwing hundreds of millions of dollars at a few ‘lead’
teachers in the vain hope of improving education for our children. The plan is designed to divide and fail.
“Minister of Education Hekia Parata has manipulated the word ‘consultation’ to the point where it has no meaning and,
quite rightly, the NZEI has had enough.
“Being in the room, having your say and then being completely ignored is not consultation,” says Ms Martin.
“New Zealand First looks forward to working with education interests after the election in a way that will benefit New
Zealand’s future – our children.
“New Zealand First is promoting a 30-year vision for education where politicians step out of the classroom and we return
to the high trust model our children deserve.”
ENDS