Letter to the Editor

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 11, 11 August 1987, Page 2

Letter to the Editor

The Ruapehu Branch President of New Zealand Education Institute Mr Peter Miller refutes the total lack of responsibility demonstrated by the National Party in their political broadcasts to the public. This deliberate attempt at Teacher Bashing is reminiscent of the 'gutter politicking' practised under the leadership of Sir Robert Muldoon.

To malign thousands of dedicated teachers in all areas of education by a misrepresentation of the facts is an insult to the whole community. Politicians should realise that the public today is better educated than our forebears and that pathetic attempts to hoodwink them with blatant falsehoods is easily recognised. National claims that they

will do away with zoning, yet for nine years of government they did nothing. National cut back on teacher intakes and closed a training college. Today, parents are being asked to keep their children home as there are not enough teachers available. National alleges that schools set their own agendas, without regard to the real needs of pupils. This statement must be considered as an outright 'lie' as schools and teachers are inspected on a regular basis to ensure that the needs of all pupils are being met. National claims that teachers are promoted without regard to their performance or merit. This also is untrue. All teachers who seek appointment must satisfy the local Education Board and inspectorate of their competence and ability. What did the past National Government do for education? They reduced the number of trainees, they cut back on spending, they forced teacher's unions to stop work, they ran down the education system. What do National promise your child? They promise elitism by spending more money on private education and less on the state system, they promise vouchers to give parents a choice, but in our region choice is determined by geography. In the words of the late Peter Mahon they have concocted a 'litany of lies' to slander one of the best education systems in the world and only for the purpose of regaining the treasury benches.

Peter

Miller

Principal Rangataua School