Posted by: Observer
on 09, Dec, 2011
My feeling is that charter schools will be a defining issue for New Zealanders just like the tour was in the 1980s (now where was that nice Johnny Key on the issue – that’s right, he can’t remember …) and the bulk funding disputes of the 1990s. The sides are lining up and the side of the angels is clearly the opposing one. Even the Teachers’ Council has bravely (bravely because it is a crown entity) put out a release saying the introduction of American charter schools needs to be treated with some circumspection. And then there was this wonderful piece from the Wellington Wairarapa School Trustees Association (WSTA) calling on the government to put “the public” back into public education.
Posted by: Observer
on 08, Dec, 2011
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“You would think that, being far behind our competitors, we would be looking hard at how they are managing to outperform us. But many policymakers, business leaders, educators and advocates are not interested. Instead, they are confidently barreling down a path of American exceptionalism, insisting that America is so different from these other nations that we are better off embracing unique, unproven solutions that our foreign competitors find bizarre.”
We in NZ know just what you mean Marc!
Posted by: Observer
on 07, Dec, 2011
Tamaki that is. What's the bet that Destiny Church was tipped the wink that there were going to be education tax dollars flowing into the collection plate once "honest John" got his feet under the table. Tamaki already had an application in for the taxpayers to buy Destiny an integrated school but now this is a much easier way to get into the public coffers. Bring the money grubbers into the temple!
Posted by: Observer
on 07, Dec, 2011
Having been made Associate Minister of Education, John Banks immediately demonstrates how au fait he is with the portfolio by declaring that Onehunga High, a good ole state school, is a charter school. News to us John and probably to the board of trustees at said school.
BTW "Poor John" is a rather rude Shakespearean term but appropriate somehow.
Posted by: Observer
on 07, Dec, 2011
...Tamihere, who has said the Waipareira Trust will take the money and set up a charter school. Ye gods! This is a man who was dismissed from cabinet for saying he was tired of hearing complaints from Jews about the Holocaust and for referring to women as "front-bums". He was investigated by the SFO about a missing $100,000 (though no charges were laid) and then there was the matter of the $195,000 golden handshake from Waipareira on which no tax was paid. At the time, the ACT Party was the loudest voice in demanding his sacking but now we are all mates together it seems. Kiwiblog too was baying for his blood back then but you can be sure all is forgiven now. As they say, there is honour amongst thieves.
In the world inhabited by John Banks and John Key, Tamihere probably passes for a paragon of virtue but surely the New Zealand public will not think he is a fitting person to be in charge of either young people or public money?
