Maori Party Urged to Rethink Support of ACT Education Bill

The Māori Party’s support of Roger Douglas’ Education (Board of Trustees Freedom) Bill is puzzling and it should rethink its position, says the education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa.

The Māori Party is supporting the ACT Party MP’s legislation into its first reading in parliament, saying it wants to open up discussion on aspects of it.

The Bill would bring back bulk funding, give Boards of Trustees more autonomy and full control over the employment of teachers and introduce performance incentives for teachers and principals.

Māori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has raised some concerns but believes it would enhance kura kaupapa and Māori educational independence by supporting the ability of Māori to make their own decisions.

NZEI Matua Takawaenga Laures Park says “we don’t need this legislation to do that and the pitfalls of the Bill far outweigh any benefit it could bring for Māori.”

“In terms of the survival and revival of Māori language and culture and autonomy for our cultural wellbeing, this is already happening in kura kaupapa through Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.”

“It was disappointing to see the Māori Party come out in support of this legislation. It needs to wake up to the real agenda behind it, consider the political messages it is sending, and urgently withdraw its support,” she says.

ENDS

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