Grading our education politicians

School’s out for summer, which means report cards have been issued. Megan Gattey studies the primary school careers of Education Minister Chris Hipkins and National education spokeswoman Nikki Kaye.

Chris Hipkins says he felt ‘‘sorry’’ for some of his primary school teachers. When Hipkins was 9, his teacher said even though he was ‘‘interested in the world’’, he needed an attitude check. He enjoyed reading but had ‘‘careless spelling’’.

Nikki Kaye, on the other hand, was a star pupil. Teachers described her as ‘‘enthusiastic’’, and she was often awarded Student of the Week. Hipkins: ‘‘I was quite creative, and independent from a fairly young age. I really enjoyed the arts.’’

Kaye: ‘‘I asked my mum and she said I was average. We have agreed to disagree on this issue.’’ What did you want to be when you grew up? Hipkins: ‘‘I wanted to be a vet, right up to secondary school. I’ve always loved animals. Still do, but I’ve changed tack a bit since then.’’ Kaye: ‘‘Owner of a chocolate factory, then a doctor.’’

Did your teachers say positive things about your schoolwork?

Hipkins: ‘‘I was a bit of a square peg in a round hole; not as diligent and conscientious as I could have been.’’

Kaye: ‘‘When I was 5, I got Student of the Week quite often, and I believe the word ‘enthusiastic’ was consistently mentioned.’’

What was your least favourite subject? And your favourite?

Hipkins: ‘‘Physical education (PE). I was not the greatest at that. My favourite subjects were arts and music, I really got into that.’’

Kaye: ‘‘When we had choir or anything musical – in part because my singing was severely average. My favourite subject was mathematics – because I liked to try and compete with my brother.’’

What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

Hipkins: ‘‘Your attitude is one of the most important things you can learn early on. If you have a positive, cando attitude, you can do anything.’’ Kaye: ‘‘Not to sweat the small stuff.’’

How do you feel when you look back at your school report cards?

Hipkins: ‘‘There are a few awkward moments. I was probably not the easiest child to teach. I feel sorry for some of the teachers now.’’

Kaye: ‘‘My mum says they were a bit too kind to me.’’

Then and now: Labour’s Chris Hipkins loved the arts at school, while National MP Nikki Kaye favoured maths class.

A 9-year-old Hipkins appeared ‘‘not to enjoy physical exercise’’, his report says.