Teacher Registered? They Must be Safe

Libertarianz leader Richard McGrath today voiced his support for the prospect of charter schools competing with their state counterparts, and said concerns by Labour MP Chris Hipkins about registration of teachers deserve to be explored further in the interests of child safety.

"Registered teacher James Parker admitted at least 74 charges of sexual offending against young boys. He is still on the register of teachers, and as such Chris Hipkins probably believes he is safe to be supervising children."

"On January 16 this year, registered teacher Douglas Haora Martin pleaded guilty to making upskirt videos of 17 unsuspecting young women and girls. Despite resigning from Lincoln High School on January 24, the Teachers Council kept him on their register until April 13. Chris Hipkins probably believes he was fit to be teaching schoolgirls during that time."

"Registered teacher Andrew Loader paid to watch two teenagers having sex, breaking the law because one of them was only aged 16. Could this be the same Andrew Loader who is still listed on the Register of Teachers, expiring in September 2015? Why does Chris Hipkins continue to have confidence in the infallibility, integrity and safety of registered teachers?"

"Registered teacher Nova Camp stole $40,000 from Takapuna Grammar Rowing Club, and remains on the Register of Teachers until February 2015, no doubt with the blessing of Chris Hipkins."

"A registered teacher who tried to arrange to have per school principal murdered - and whose identity the Teachers Council won't reveal - is considered safe to continue to teach children. She's registered so she must be safe."

"Being a registered teacher did not prevent former deputy principal Norman Foote from sexually abusing a girl from the time she was a child. But of course, being registered he was safe to be left alone with children."

"A registered teacher - again with name kept secret by the teachers disciplinary committee - admitted having sex with one of her male staff members, signing off the bill for a phone from which he used to ring the TAB, and endorsed his registration despite knowing he was being investigated by CYFS for alleged assault. Registered - no worries - trustworthy and safe with kids. Thumbs up from Chris. Sweet as."

"Registered teacher Kevin Fraser Keys admitted sexually assaulting and photographing a boy under the age of 16. Oh look, he's still on the Register of Teachers until January 2015. And of course safe with kids - right, Chris?"

"Registered teacher Damian Christopher Gillard was charged last year with sexual offences against seven young women. But Chris probably thinks he's OK to teach children - his registration doesn't lapse until March next year and in all likelihood will be renewed."

"Registered teacher Rene Alan Chalmers, alleged to have stolen more than $800,000, remains on the register 'subject to confirmation' until June 2015. But it's OK, he's registered and can therefore do no wrong."

"I'm confused now. Could Chris Hipkins please explain again just why it is so vital that teachers in charter schools be registered?"

ENDS

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