Speech to PPTA Annual Conference 2008

PPTA President Robin Duff, 30 September 2008

Tena kotou, tena kotou, tena katou katoa.

I extend a very warm welcome to our annual conference, the occasion where we gather every year to talk about issues of concern for us as secondary teachers.  I am particularly pleased to welcome you at this time because we have more members than ever before.   Over the last twenty months we have added over two thousand – and the numbers are still growing!  Not that it is just about numbers.  It is about the enthusiasm and the commitment that comes with them. 

Over that same period I have visited well over 160 branches, as well as many regional meetings, and have discussed many important issues with you.  Many branches have revitalised.  Most remain sleeping giants – ready to provide collegial support and action when it is needed.

Whilst it has been a privilege for me to see some of the wonderful work teachers do for their students, it has been a greater pleasure to meet and work with so many of you with a commitment to contribute, debate and work for the achievement of a first class top quality public secondary education system for the our young people whilst establishing the best for our members and their health, welfare and interests of our collective. Valuing is what it is all about – although there are many forces working against us; and our vision.