‘Same old clich´es’ from Education Minister
Education Minister Chris Hipkins is not impressing Manaia View School principal and Te Tai Tokerau Principals’ Association executive member Leanne Otene, and his appearance on TVNZ’s Sunday programme on May 19 did nothing to reassure her.
“The minister is talking in platitudes but saying nothing new,” Ms Otene said.
“I was very disappointed that all my minister could do when confronted with the reality of teaching was to mouth the same old cliche´s and platitudes.
“Watching the Sunday programme brought tears to my eyes. It was so real, so poignant. What you saw is exactly what it’s like. It’s what happens every day in every school in Northland. Teachers are crashing and burning, and feel like they are being taken for granted by their minister.”
The support voiced by many parents since the programme aired showed that they understood that teachers did care, did work hard, and were poorly paid for their efforts, yet the one person who should understand seemed more interested in finding excuses than answers.
“Successive governments have relied upon the aroha and goodwill of teachers for too long, and we have had enough,” Ms Otene added.
“Before being elected to government I remember the current minister sitting in meetings, asking what was needed for education to move forward. We told him, and he said he understood. We believed him. Now he needs to actually do it instead of just promising.” Police in Kaitaia are anxious to locate 33-yearold Graham Dreaver, believed to be in Kaitaia, who is subject to arrest under a parole recall warrant for breaching prison release conditions.
Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to contact Senior Sergeant Russell Richards at the Kaitaia police station on (09) 408-6511 urgently.