Which Parata to believe?
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- Date published:
9:02 am, November 12th, 2012 - 15 comments
Categories: education, Hekia parata, schools -
Tags: christchurch, crazy, hekia parata
It seems like John Key isn’t the only Nat politician prone to memory lapses, rewriting history, and changing their story every five minutes. Now it’s Hekia Parata’s turn. Here she is announcing her ill-fated plans to close and merge various Christchurch schools back in September:
Ms Parata said the closures and mergers were part of an effort to deliver better services to Canterbury students.
“Our priority is delivering a network that will meet changing community needs and deliver better outcomes for learners.”
Sounds impressive doesn’t it, a government in charge, making the tough decisions, moving forward together. But hold the front page, because here we are in November, and now with respect to some of the headline mergers Parata says:
Education Minister Hekia Parata is dismissing the now defunct idea from her department of merging major single-sex high schools in Christchurch as crazy. …
“Although I’m not from Christchurch even I knew it was at the crazy end of options,” Ms Parata told the Marae Investigates programme today.
Well golly gosh, which Hekia Parata should we believe? These plans put communities, pupils and staff through hell. And for what?
15 comments on “Which Parata to believe? ”
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- No-cause evictions leave no hope for rentersThe Government’s introduction of legislation that would enable landlords to end tenancies with no reason marks a dark day for the 1.4 million people who rent their home in Aotearoa. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National winding back mental health workThe Minister for Mental Health has found the Suicide Prevention Office and mental health support for 111 calls slipping through his fingers, says Labour spokesperson for Mental Health Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Government ignorant of evidence in neglect of tamarikiToday’s justification from the Minister for Children for scrapping protections for our tamariki was either a case of ignorance or deliberate deception. ...2 weeks ago
- Gang policy setting communities up for failureThe Green Party says the Government’s misguided policy on gangs will fail, following the announcement of the establishment of a national gang unit and district gang disruption units to target gang activities. ...2 weeks ago
- Statement from police spokesperson Ginny Andersen“With Police pay negotiations still unresolved after six months in Government, Mark Mitchell has today rolled the Commissioner out for a rebrand of their approach to gang crime,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said. ...2 weeks ago
- Charter schools not a serious solutionWe need serious investment and solutions into our education system, not a vanity project from David Seymour. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Ideological charter schools won’t increase achievementThe Government bringing back 50 charter schools will not increase achievement and is a distraction from the core mission of the education system, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...2 weeks ago
- Government to repeal costly log trade legislation
The Government will repeal legislation this weekend requiring the compulsory registration of log traders and forestry advisers, Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “The current system fails to deliver outcomes and places unnecessary costs on forest businesses,” Mr McClay says. “The repeal will be delivered at speed, with changes coming into ...33 mins ago - New direction for Health New ZealandProfessor Lester Levy has been appointed as a member and Chair of the Board of Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ), Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. “Professor Levy has extensive experience working in the health system and will provide strong leadership to Health NZ through ...2 hours ago
- Government welcomes smelter agreementThe signing of individual 20-year bilateral long-term contracts between the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS), Meridian Energy, Contact Energy, and Mercury NZ will provide certainty for the electricity market and will be a welcome relief for the Southland economy, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Tiwai Smelter is New Zealand’s ...3 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit South East AsiaForeign Minister Winston Peters will travel to South East Asia next week. “South East Asia is critical to maintaining and building New Zealand’s security and prosperity,” Mr Peters says. “My travel to the region is a further demonstration of the Coalition Government’s strong commitment to boosting New Zealand’s ...3 hours ago
- Budget delivers on promises to KiwisPrime Minister Christopher Luxon says Budget 2024 delivers on the Government’s promises, with savings across the public sector being reinvested in frontline services and meaningful tax reductions to support hard-working Kiwis. “This Budget is prudent and fiscally responsible. By identifying billions of dollars of lower-value spending across the public sector, ...23 hours ago
- Nicola Willis – Budget 2024 SpeechMr Speaker, I move that the Appropriation (2024/25 Estimates) Bill be now read a second time. Tēnā koutou katoa. E mihi ana ki a Ahumairangi, ki a Tangi-te-keo, ki te Whanganui-a-Tara. Tāne whakapiripiri e tū nei, e ngā tāngata whenua o te rohe, e ngā mema ...23 hours ago
- Budget supports practical climate actionResponsible and effective climate related initiatives that support New Zealand to reduce emissions, and adapt to the future effects of climate change are a priority, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Our Government is committed to meeting emission reduction targets, including the overall goal of carbon net-zero by 2050, while ...23 hours ago
- More than $1 billion for Cyclone relief, resilience and emergency preparednessBudget 2024 invests more than $1 billion in a package of initiatives to further support the rebuild and recovery of communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods to improve New Zealand’s emergency preparedness, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell say. ...23 hours ago
- Waste levy changes to improve environmentRevenue from the Waste Disposal Levy will be spent on a wider range of projects supporting the environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation in addition to minimising waste, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “The Government will introduce a Bill as part of Budget 2024 legislation which expands the scope ...23 hours ago
- Rewarding hard work in tertiary education and trainingBudget 2024 sets the path for a sustainable tertiary education sector that supports and incentivises hard working learners, businesses, and tertiary education providers, Tertiary Education Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The first year Fees Free policy was an expensive failure and did not deliver its aim of more students going into ...23 hours ago
- Investing in transport for growthBudget 2024 confirms a $2.68 billion investment in roads, rail, and public transport to unlock economic growth and enable Kiwis and freight to get to where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “This funding includes a billion-dollar increase over that signalled during the consultation ...23 hours ago
- Budget assures funding for Te MatatiniKua tū te haka a Tāne Rore me ngā mahi a Hine Rēhia! Secure long-term funding of $48.7 million from 2025 will ensure the future of Te Matatini prospers with the support of the Government, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. I tēnei tahua pūtea kua whakangaoa e te Kāwanatanga ...23 hours ago
- Regional resilience and prosperity focus of new fundSupporting regional productivity, prosperity and resilience will be at the heart of the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “The coalition Government is committed to building a stronger, more productive economy, and this fund will help support our regional economies to grow,” Mr Jones says. “Building infrastructure ...23 hours ago
- $1.1 billion investment to support disabled peopleCritical support services that improve the lives of disabled people, their families, and those who care for them will receive significant investment through Budget 2024. “The coalition Government wants the best outcomes for the disability community, which is why we are prioritising the essential frontline services they rely on,” says ...23 hours ago
- Fixing New Zealand’s infrastructure deficitBudget 2024 lays the foundations for a better performing infrastructure system, with investments to ensure Kiwis spend less time waiting in traffic, that improve our climate resilience, and in modern classrooms that support our kids to achieve at school, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Government is determined to address ...23 hours ago
- Budget 24 turns tide on wasteful spendingAssociate Finance Minister David Seymour says this Budget makes a good start in reducing low value government spending, and there is more efficiency to be found in future Budget cycles. “The coalition Government inherited a dire fiscal situation. Core Crown expenditure increased nearly 70 percent between 2017 and 2023. Debt ...23 hours ago
- 500 more Police to improve public safetyFrontline Police numbers will be increased by 500 officers by the end of 2025 to help reduce crime and improve public safety, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello says. “We are serious about restoring law and order and that starts with having more Police on the beat to deter crime and ...23 hours ago
- Budget backs Police on the front lineA focus on supporting frontline Police in this year’s Budget will keep our communities safer, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “We are serious about cracking down on crime and keeping communities safe so people can go about their lives in peace. We back our Police and are giving them more ...23 hours ago
- $2.93 billion investment to lift educational achievementThe coalition Government is boosting education spending by $2.93 billion over the next four years to improve student outcomes, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. "The investment includes extra funding for new classrooms, additional teacher support and early childhood education,” Ms Stanford says. “It also includes previously announced additional funding for ...23 hours ago
- Budget prioritises frontline health services & workersHealth will get a significant funding boost of $16.68 billion across three Budgets as part of our plan to invest in frontline services such as emergency departments, primary care, medicines and public health to ensure New Zealanders can get the healthcare they deserve, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. “Our ...23 hours ago
- Rebuilding the New Zealand economyBudget 2024 restores discipline to spending to get the books back in order, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Operating allowance for Budget 2024 lowered to $3.2 billion: the lowest operating allowance since Budget 2018 Future operating allowances lowered to $2.4 billion The Multi-Year Capital Allowance receives a $7 billion top-up, ...23 hours ago
- Responsible tax relief for the squeezed middleBudget 2024 delivers overdue tax relief to 3.5 million New Zealanders so they can keep more of what they earn. Tax relief as set out in the National Party’s 2023 tax plan From 31 July this year average income households receive tax relief of up to $102 a fortnight and ...23 hours ago
- Budget 2024 delivers for New ZealandBudget 2024 sets out the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy, ease the cost of living, deliver better health and education services and restore law and order, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis. “This is a fiscally responsible Budget that delivers on key coalition Government commitments.” Tax relief for the squeezed ...23 hours ago
- Speech to National Family Violence Conference 2024Hon. Karen Chhour National Network of Family Violence Services National Family Violence Conference 2024 9:25am Wednesday 29 May 2024 It is an honour to open this conference, and I want to acknowledge the broad range of expertise, experience, and hard work represented by the people here in this room. ...1 day ago
- Government improves mass arrival managementThe Government has strengthened settings for managing a mass arrival, with the passing of the Immigration (Mass Arrivals) Amendment Bill today. “While we haven’t experienced a mass arrival event in New Zealand, it is an ongoing possibility which would have a significant impact on our immigration and court systems,” Immigration ...2 days ago
- Super Fund to get more investment opportunitiesFinance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the passage of legislation giving the New Zealand Superannuation Fund a wider range of investment opportunities. The New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Controlling Interests) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament today. “The bill removes a section in the original act that ...3 days ago
- Crown and iwi settle three decades of negotiationsThree decades of negotiations between iwi and the Crown have been settled today as the Whakatōhea Claims Settlement Bill passes its third reading in Parliament, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “While no settlement can fully compensate for the Crown’s past injustices, this settlement will support the aspirations and prosperity ...3 days ago
- New Zealand to support PNG landslide responseNew Zealand will support Papua New Guinea’s response to the devastating landslide in Enga Province, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have announced. “Ever since learning of the horrendous landslide on Friday, New Zealand has been determined to play our part in assisting Papua New Guinea’s ...3 days ago
- Speech to WasteMINZ ConferenceTena koutou katoa. Kia ora tatou. Na mihi nui kia koutou. Greetings and thank you for having me at this year’s WasteMINZ conference. In particular, I acknowledge WasteMINZ’s chair Parul Sood, WasteMINZ board members, CEO Nic Quilty and the team, and all of today’s delegates. I’m going to take this ...3 days ago
- Government to consult on regulation of shooting clubs and rangesThe Government is consulting New Zealanders on a package of proposals for simple and effective regulation of shooting clubs and ranges, Associate Minister of Justice, Nicole McKee announced today. “Clubs and ranges are not only important for people learning to operate firearms safely, to practice, and to compete, ...3 days ago
- Successful New Caledonia repatriation winds up, need for dialogue remainsOver 300 people have been successfully flown out of New Caledonia in a joint Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) operation. As of today, seven New Zealand government aircraft flights to Nouméa have assisted around 225 New Zealanders and 145 foreign nationals ...3 days ago
- Minister to Singapore for defence, technology talksDefence and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins departs for Singapore tomorrow for defence and technology summits and meetings. First up is the Asia Tech X Singapore Summit, followed by the Five Power Defence Arrangements Defence Ministers Meeting and wrapping up with the Shangri-La Dialogue for Defence Ministers from ...4 days ago
- Major investment in teacher supply through Budget 24Over the next four years, Budget 24 will support the training and recruitment of 1,500 teachers into the workforce, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today. “To raise achievement and develop a world leading education system we’re investing nearly $53 million over four years to attract, train and retain our valued ...5 days ago
- Joint statement on the New Zealand – Cook Islands Joint Ministerial Forum – 20241. New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters; Minister of Health and Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Dr Shane Reti; and Minister for Climate Change Hon Simon Watts hosted Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Hon Tingika Elikana and Minister of Health Hon Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown on 24 May ...6 days ago
- Middle East, Africa deployments extendedThe Government has approved two-year extensions for four New Zealand Defence Force deployments to the Middle East and Africa, Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today. “These deployments are long-standing New Zealand commitments, which reflect our ongoing interest in promoting peace and stability, and making active ...7 days ago
- Climate Change Commission Chair to retireThe Climate Change Commission Chair, Dr Rod Carr, has confirmed his plans to retire at the end of his term later this year, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Prior to the election, Dr Carr advised me he would be retiring when his term concluded. Dr Rod Carr has led ...7 days ago
- Inaugural Board of Integrity Sport & Recreation Commission announcedNine highly respected experts have been appointed to the inaugural board of the new Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission is a new independent Crown entity which was established under the Integrity Sport and Recreation Act last year, ...7 days ago
- A balanced Foreign Affairs budgetForeign Minister Winston Peters confirmed today that Vote Foreign Affairs in Budget 2024 will balance two crucial priorities of the Coalition Government. While Budget 2024 reflects the constrained fiscal environment, the Government also recognises the critical role MFAT plays in keeping New Zealanders safe and prosperous. “Consistent with ...1 week ago
- New social housing places to support families into homesNew social housing funding in Budget 2024 will ensure the Government can continue supporting more families into warm, dry homes from July 2025, Housing Ministers Chris Bishop and Tama Potaka say. “Earlier this week I was proud to announce that Budget 2024 allocates $140 million to fund 1,500 new social ...1 week ago
- New Zealand’s minerals futureIntroduction Today, we are sharing a red-letter occasion. A Blackball event on hallowed ground. Today we underscore the importance of our mineral estate. A reminder that our natural resource sector has much to offer. Such a contribution will not come to pass without investment. However, more than money is needed. ...1 week ago
- Make Your Views Heard On “The Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act...
This is an opportunity for all political parties to work together, recognising that Aotearoa is a Pacific nation. Our whakapapa and history across the Pacific Ocean Te Moana nui a Kiwa is as extensive and deep as the moana itself. ...1 hour ago - Budget 2024 Produces Funding Reprioritisation For Digital HealthThe decision in Budget 2024 to reduce funding to digital health services is, on the face of it, concerning, says the chief executive of the Digital Health Association, “but we need to know more.” ...2 hours ago
- Is it time to stop white knighting female MPs? An argument with myself
MPs don’t need to be defended from offensive speech just because they’re women. Or do they? It’s time to stop white knighting female MPs, obviously. You’ve been thinking this privately for years! During the pandemic, when Big Disinfo reached our shores, concern about the “online abuse” of female leaders (especially ...2 hours ago - Significant Investment In Transport Shows This Government Is Serious About Transport1.9 million households are going to benefit from the promised tax relief and critical services such as health and education are ear marked for significant investment. ...2 hours ago
- Massive Decisions For Hamilton’s Water ServicesThe future of Hamilton’s water services and finding the best way to deliver them for future generations, will be one of the key topics for Hamilton City Council as it awaits further information from Government. ...3 hours ago
- Donald Trump found guilty on all 34 charges in hush money trial
This article first appeared at rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission. Former US President Donald Trump was found guilty all 34 counts in his hush money trial. The jury’s verdict on each count was read aloud in a New York courtroom on Friday (NZT). Moments after being found guilty, Trump called ...3 hours ago - Disappointment Over Repeated Failure To Increase Funeral GrantThe Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand is disappointed the Government’s budget has once again failed to include an increase for the Work and Income Funeral Grant. ...3 hours ago
- Has plucky New Zealand lost its voice on international issues?This week an Israeli airstrike killed dozens of refugees in Rafah, and our government has done and said next to nothing in response. What happened to New Zealand’s stance on human rights? In 1984, we banned nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships from entering New Zealand waters. The US and France hated ...4 hours ago
- Government Bill Rushed: Waikato Regional Council SubmissionWaikato Regional Council has sent a clear message to the Government that proposed legislative changes impacting Māori wards and constituencies are “inequitable”. ...4 hours ago
- Budget Abandons Homeless Young People For Tax CutsThe Government has indicated that 20 million that had been tagged to support Youth Transitional Housing projects over the next 3 years will now no longer go ahead. ...4 hours ago
- Officials urged Government to cut cost of tax scheme and delay to October; Treasury looked at $18b A...
Officials advising the government on the Budget advised ministers to tweak the government's tax policy to save cost, and said it should commence from 1 October, rather than 31 July. ...5 hours ago - What’s that in my nest? How the evolutionary arms race between cuckoos and hosts creates new speci...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Naomi Langmore, Professor, Australian National University A superb fairy wren foster parent about to feed a Horsfield’s bronze cuckoo chick. Mark Lethlean How do new species arise? And why are there so many of them? One possible reason is the arms race ...5 hours ago - We’re the ‘allergy capital of the world’. But we don’t know why food allergies are so common...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Koplin, Group Leader, Childhood Allergy & Epidemiology, The University of Queensland Miljan Zivkovic/Shutterstock Australia has often been called the “allergy capital of the world”. An estimated one in ten Australian children develop a food allergy in their first 12 months ...5 hours ago
- Jane Goodall inspires generations of conservationists – we need her education program in schoolsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mahima Kalla, Digital Health Transformation Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Renowned scientist and conservationist Jane Goodall is touring Australia and New Zealand this week and next. The 90-year-old “woman who redefined man” is best known for her discovery of tool-making ...5 hours ago
- Mattel’s new athlete Barbies might seem like a win for feminists and young girls – but they’re...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Gurrieri, Associate Professor in Marketing, RMIT University Mattel released a new range of Barbie dolls this week honouring nine trailblazing women in sport. The recognised athletes include Matildas soccer star Mary Fowler, tennis champion Venus Williams and seven other record-breaking and ...5 hours ago
- Budget 2024 live: All the reaction to tax cuts and national debtMeanwhile, the finance minister has admitted fewer than 3000 families will get promised $250 a week from Budget 2024.. ...5 hours ago
- Budget 2024 in 10 crucial readsIn today’s extract from The Bulletin, a bumper budget reading list*. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. The top lines We made it. After weeks of anticipation, we finally learned the details of the coalition government’s first budget. There were the anticipated tax cuts, confirmation ...5 hours ago
- Quarry company J Swap's fast track plea after donations to Shane Jones and NZ FirstJ Swap gave money to Shane Jones, and then to NZ First after it got into power. Now the company is asking for protected land to be opened for quarrying. ...6 hours ago
- Budget 2024: 'Every little bit helps' as millions of households get extra $30 a weekVoters spoken to by RNZ say the tax cuts will have a "positive impact" - and they're looking forward to pocketing a little extra cash. ...7 hours ago
- Budget 2024 locks in fiscal restraint for years to comeAnalysis - The wall-to-wall coverage of public service cuts in recent months is set to become the new normal, with little money left from here on out. ...7 hours ago
- Budget 2024: Nearly 200 police support jobs to go as government boosts front-line numbersThe staff cuts - which could include 111 operators - could result in more pressure on sworn officers, union says. ...7 hours ago
- Budget 2024: Cancer patient devastated that government won't fund new drugsVickie Hudson-Craig pays $5500 a month for the drugs that keep her alive. Now her hope is "wiped away". ...7 hours ago
- Budget 2024: How much tax relief are we really getting?The government has dressed up its tax bracket adjustments as tax cuts, but do they scratch the surface of inflation? We've crunched the numbers. ...7 hours ago
- What About The Crown Keeping Its Promise To Māori & Prioritising That?...7 hours ago
- Budget 2024: starving the future’s needs to pay for today’s politicsThe government’s myopic focus on short-term interests – both the taxpayers’ and its own – risks causing long-term damage, warns Max Rashbrooke. Evidence of a continued addiction to spending? Or, conversely, a slash and burn approach to the public finances? Neither of these rival interpretations of finance minister Nicola Willis’s ...8 hours ago
- From boy scouts to the ‘bugger’ dog: A brief history of ad complaints in New ZealandFeaturing dangerous driving in an Austin Mini, line dancers vs the Open Polytechnic and the many misdemeanours of Hell Pizza. For as long as there have been ads in New Zealand, there have been people complaining about them. Fifty and a bit years ago, a lightning rod for those complaints ...8 hours ago
- A Budget for the ‘squeezed middle’ leaves out most KiwisIn aiming for a middle-of-the-road Budget, the finance minister has forgotten that most people sit on the wings The post A Budget for the ‘squeezed middle’ leaves out most Kiwis appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Visitor levy could double as Govt considers raft of tourism feesNZ will generate $261m over four years if it hikes its visitor levy, according to yesterday’s Budget The post Visitor levy could double as Govt considers raft of tourism fees appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Extra cash for Disability Ministry but cost pressures loomThe amount allocated to Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People is 24 percent more than what it received last year, including $80 million before the Budget to see the department through an overspend. The ministry will get an extra $1.1 billion until 2028. That’s on top of its nominal baseline funding ...8 hours ago
- Critical police funding dangling over fiscal cliffPolice have been ordered to find $120 million in savings in the next year, or risk falling off a fiscal cliff. Among the Budget’s “time-limited funding” table – read: fiscal cliffs page – is funding for police cost pressures. The $120m in funding is a one-off, with nothing beyond Budget ...8 hours ago
- Overseas aid falls further in BudgetWinston Peters didn’t have everything his own way in this year’s Budget, with the country’s aid falling – potentially quite sharply The post Overseas aid falls further in Budget appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Praise for flood-fighting fund as Treasury raises climate risksThe Government spending millions of dollars on stop banks and floodwalls is welcomed by some, questioned by others The post Praise for flood-fighting fund as Treasury raises climate risks appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 31 MayThe post Daily crossword, Friday 31 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Get off the fence, NZ – we have a legal and moral duty towards PalestineNew Zealand’s position on recognising Palestinian statehood is a muddled, awkward fence-sitting one, especially when international opinion is turning towards recognition as a tool for peace Opinion: On May 10, the United Nations General Assembly called on the Security Council to admit Palestine as a full member of the organisation ...8 hours ago
- This week’s bestselling books – May 31FICTION 1 Amma by Saraid de Silva (Hachette, $37.99) A review by Betty Davis will likely appear next week in ReadingRoom of da Silva’s intergenerational epic set in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, and it will likely be headlined “Novel of the Year”. 2 Bird Child and Other Stories ...8 hours ago
- Budget shifts universities’ financial burden onto studentsBudget 2024 moves Fees Free to the final year, increases overseas loan interest, cuts the Apprenticeship Boost scheme and proposes a 6% tuition fee hike The post Budget shifts universities’ financial burden onto students appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- A landmark decision for island nationsThe world’s top oceans court ruled last week that greenhouse gas emissions count as marine pollution. What does that mean? This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. It means that countries – including New Zealand – must take action to address climate change under the international ...8 hours ago
- NZCTU: Budget At A Glance 2024Budget 2024 fails the most important tests ...8 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Government’s pursuit of a hate speech law could take it down another cul-de-sacSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and his “shadow”, Michaelia Cash, are both volatile characters. When they met this week to discuss the government’s draft religious discrimination bill, an incendiary issue in the best of circumstances, sparks flew. ...13 hours ago
- Budget 2024: 'Assault on nature' as government cuts funding for environmental programmesThe government's only new environmental funding will go to resource management reforms, which have been relaxing rules for natural protection. ...14 hours ago
- Budget 2024: What's in it for households?Here are 10 things in the Budget for households. ...16 hours ago
- Giant hands and Jamaican reggae: The budget debate goes off the railsOver the course of three hours of budget speeches, parliament turned into an unruly, overtired detention hall, where MPs forgot all about tax cuts and started yelling random words from the dictionary. Joel MacManus was there. Nicola Willis tried so hard to make the budget boring. The white cover page, ...16 hours ago
- Budget 24: How's it being received?Love it or hate it, the Budget will affect you in some way. This is what industry leaders have to say about funding that might impact you. ...16 hours ago
- Budget 2024: No surprises but little excitement for voters in National's tax cutsAnalysis - With the centre-right back in charge, it's not so much the axe being swung as the pendulum, Tim Watkin writes. ...16 hours ago
- Opinion: Budget 2024 does not fulfil the Crown's te Tiriti obligationsOpinion - Māori whānau will get far less in this Budget than Pākehā, writes Julia Whaipooti. How can we strive for equality when our starting point is so different? ...17 hours ago
- Opinion: Budget 2024 does not fulfil te Tiriti obligationsOpinion - Māori whānau will get far less in this Budget than Pākehā, writes Julia Whaipooti. How can we strive for equality when our starting point is so different? ...17 hours ago
- 'Fired up' protesters oppose government's anti-Māori policies in droves across Aotea...Streets were packed as thousands rallied nationwide against policies on Māori, as Te Pāti Māori announced plans for a separate parliament. ...17 hours ago
- Back to Back’s Multiple Bad Things takes a sophisticated look at the moral ambiguities of today’...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Austin, Lecturer in Theatre, The University of Melbourne Bron Batten, Scott Price and Sarah Mainwaring perform on stage in Multiple Bad Things. Ferne Millen Back to Back Theatre is an internationally lauded ensemble of collaborators based in Geelong. With some ...17 hours ago
- NZ Budget 2024: ‘tax relief’ for the ‘squeezed middle’ – but who’s paying? 7 experts fol...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Craig Elliffe: Small cuts, big consequences Honestly, who would want to be Nicola Willis at this point? The effect of $14.7 billion of tax cuts is ...18 hours ago
- Abuse In Care Royal Commission's Recommendations Delivered To Government; Final Report To Follo...“The whole country must pay attention when our final report is released and take responsibility to make sure it never happens again,” said Judge Shaw. ...19 hours ago
- Budget 2024: Delivering On Promises – Just – While Standing On QuicksandBudget 2024 delivers on election promises, just. Fiscal neutrality was a key consideration, as revenue projections suffer from a bleaker reality. ...19 hours ago
- As Israel pushes into Rafah, it exposes an uncomfortable truth: no court alone can protect civilians...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Taucher, Lecturer in History, Murdoch University The world has reacted with anger this week after an Israeli air strike on a safe zone for displaced civilians in southern Gaza reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people, including women ...19 hours ago
- Budget 2024: Try RNZ's tax calculatorTry RNZ's tax calculator to see whether the government's tax changes will help your family. ...19 hours ago
- Oral Submissions On The Local Government (Electoral Legislation And Māori Wards And Māori Constitu...The committee will meet as a full committee on Tuesday 4 June to hear from local government and iwi/hapu groups. ...19 hours ago
- Bernard Hickey on the budget: ‘They’ve talked their way into a deeper recession’A special Gone By Lunchtime meets When the Facts Change crossover episode for budget day. Nicola Willis has kept her word: in her first budget, the National-led coalition has delivered tax cuts. As for whether she is right to say that those cuts are delivered thanks to savings and new ...20 hours ago
- Budget 2024: The great Spinoff hot-take roundtableFinance minister Nicola Willis describes her budget as moderate and responsible. But what do the experts think? Jacqueline Paul: $20m rangatahi housing cut a short-sighted decision The budget for 2024 is deeply disappointing and fails to at least attempt to address Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent housing crisis, especially for rangatahi. As someone ...20 hours ago
- Budget Day Hīkoi heads to Parliament as thousands gather around countryA crowd marched on Parliament in Wellington, where inside the country's leaders were ushering in this year's Budget. ...20 hours ago
- A guide to Budget 2024 for people who don’t do numbersEverything you need to know about Budget 2024, and not a line more. After sharing home-made choc-chip cookies with the prime minister, finance minister Nicola Willis presented her first budget today at 2pm, wearing a blue power suit and a sense of determination. “I have kept my pledge,” she announced, ...20 hours ago
- Budget 2024: Political parties react to coalition government's budget announcementPolitical parties are less than impressed with the contents of the coalition government's first Budget. ...20 hours ago
- Budget 2024: Education sees funding for new schools, training and cyber securityBudget 2024 includes $2.5 billion in new spending over four years for education and a further $429 million in redirected savings, most of it from the Ministry of Education. ...21 hours ago
- Budget 2024: Winners and losersWho is set to gain and who is missing out as a result of this year's Budget? RNZ takes a look. ...21 hours ago
- Budget Eases Some Local Infrastructure Pain – But Stronger Medicine Is NeededCouncils will see some relief from the huge infrastructure challenge they’re facing right now in the Government’s Budget, LGNZ Vice-President Campbell Barry said today. ...21 hours ago
- Willis opens her head, not just her heartOpinion: So here we are then, back on a track. Having wandered off into the foothills of kindness, the valleys of wellbeing and the sheer rock walls of high inflation and interest rates, guide Nicola Willis has appeared in her bright blue trouser suit holding up a blue balloon to ...21 hours ago
- Government “living In An Alternative Universe” With 2024 BudgetThe Government’s Budget ignores the climate and biodiversity crises Aotearoa is facing and will shoulder future generations with “unconscionable debt”, says the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) New Zealand. ...21 hours ago
- Budget 2024: Budget surpluses get further away as government tightens beltThe government has been forced to tighten its belt to pay for tax cuts. ...21 hours ago
- What is in Budget 2024 for Māori?From changes to health, education, housing and kapa haka, here's what the budget will mean for Māori. ...22 hours ago
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Need we believe either version of Hekia Parata? I have absolutely no belief in her. Nevertheless, I have some sympathy for several Government Ministers inasmuch as Key interferes in their portfolios. Like predecessor Muldoon, Key is pretty much the Minister of Everything, only a little more behind the scenes. When they err, of course he is quick to fix the blame on them, never himself.
Why the fuck are they even proposing ideas, that they now admit are ‘crazy’, in the first place?
Mmmm, a second undisclosed agenda going on is what I’m guessing. Last night it was the “superschool” in the news combining primary, intermediate and college on one campus.
In the face of overwhelming opposition from the community (think they said 97% opposed to the idea), Hekia says that instead of rejecting the idea another option would be to see how it could help the community or words to that effect but sounding like a parent dismissing the objections of a child prodigy.
THEN she assures the worried / distressed school community that it is “just a proposal”. Yeah, she’s great.
The school kids performed their songs to welcome the minister, adhering to generations of tradition and school kid conduct. I think perhaps the biggest message to the minister could well come from school kids refusing to politely perform and conform to the Ministry of Education’s directives. What are they going to do….suspend 50 primary school pupils for refusing to sing and dance for the minister?
Didn’t she know how many old boys from Christchurch Boys’ High School vote National????
A glossy brochure was delivered in the letterbox here in Christchurch as I visit and pass. From the Ministry of Education it outlines the intentions for Education in Christchurch. Poorly phrased, and repetitive it claims an intention to realy lift the performace of schools but the only change that I can see is to form open plan classrooms. These were used in some schools from the early 80s. Can be very effective but not for all. A dumb document.
From what I can make out, National are getting their education advice from the 19th century with random input from random people (i.e, National voters) who think they’ve got a good idea.
IanMac
Have a look at this in Porirua College.
This could be the model for the open class rooms.
What struck me was the size of the room, with only about 15 kids in it.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/7914713/Porirua-College-New-buildings-new-attitude
one of the photos in the brochure is of a 21st learning centre, IN A SCHOOL SLATED FOR MERGER. So their lovely pic of 21st century learning is already happening, but they are closing it down, and moving to another school with older buildings.
Porangi Parata? No just another neolib arsehole.
I remember on the day of the announcements Parata said this was “crunch day” for “some specific decisions” but there were “exciting” opportunities with other “propositions” such as “whole-of-life campuses“, “shared facilities” and the like.
Is she now going to deny CGHS, CBHS, SBHS and AGHS such amazing opportunities?
You’re right, Anthony – she’s suddenly gone feral on the very same proposals she was defending to the hilt. This is in keeping with some parents’ reactions to her ‘meet the schools’ visits: That she was just parroting MoE lines rather than answering parents’ questions with authority.
Here’s the interview on the day from Checkpoint.
Wait, wasn’t there a bit on Cambell Live tonight where Parata was defending the merging of schools in Christchurch, completly against the wishes of the community and with no defense of the plans other than “Do the best you can.”
So is she for merging or against merging?
I am confused about what this National Government is doing now…. well i suppose now isn’t the right word…. for about 4 years….
Funny how they claim to listen and follow the people in everything except
council mergers
ecan
asset sales
The merger of those schools were never in the proposals. They were on developing documents that the media had but were never actually part of the proposals.
Ummmm:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/schools/7918227/Parata-does-U-turn-on-two-proposed-mergers
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/7669918/Principal-slams-Christchurch-schools-merger-plan
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbedu/1205958374-minister-wrong-over-school-merger-suggestion
I see the schools under the gun from parata in chchch are lower decile schools….