Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Government desperately trying to patch up charter school model even before it’s started

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“Cabinet’s decision to allow charter schools to have access to the same level of teaching resources as state schools, is an acknowledgement that the charter school model of state-funded private schools is unworkable.

“Charter schools are being sold on a model of bespoke, bulk funded, flexibility. However, as we know, this is not possible, especially when it comes to supporting students with additional needs. By allowing charter schools to have access to state specialist services such as resource teachers, they are admitting that the charter school system can’t work and that it needs to be able to cannibalise off the public functions of state education to provide some semblance of effective support for students.

“We saw this with allowing access to period products in schools as well. Unless charter schools are going to be charged for it, it’s an invisible increase to their cost, which is already higher than the state system. The Government is trying to patch up a model that doesn’t work, before it has even started.

“It increasingly looks like things are being made up as this process is rushed along, to shore up failings in the model and to protect private sponsors from the actual costs of meeting student needs, instead passing these costs back to the state. This will inevitably mean less funding for the needs of students in the state school system.”

Chris Abercrombie said the Cabinet’s decision to not allow unions to negotiate multi-employer collective agreements for charter schools staff, was a significant departure from New Zealand’s current employment law.

“No school is an island – evidence shows that schools do better when they don’t compete. Having core terms and conditions that are consistent across charter schools would be a good thing, not a limitation.

“If people want to run a charter school, then multi-employer collective agreements should be something that they can easily participate in.”

Chris Abercrombie said these last minute changes to proposed legislation showed the weaknesses of trying to introduce massive structural changes to the education sector under urgency.

“This is not how legislation should be made and the Attorney General Hon. Judith Collins has already warned the Prime Minister about the dangers of rushed legislative processes.”

Last modified on Tuesday, 23 July 2024 13:00

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Rushed consultation on charter schools shows Government’s complete disconnect from communities

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“The legislation contains far-reaching changes which have very significant implications for school communities. The secrecy around this legislation and the speed at which it is being pushed through shows a disconnect with the realities of busy parents and communities. All families are working incredibly hard during the cost of living crisis, it’s a huge ask to then drop everything to engage in this consultation – but the decisions being made are incredibly important.

“This time around the legislation will not only enable existing local state schools to convert to charter schools, it will also enable the Minister to order an existing state school to convert, and it will enable any single person in the community to propose converting a local state school to a charter school.

“What happens if parents don’t want to send their children to a converted charter school or students don’t want to attend such a school– what rights do they have? Where are the rights of school communities in all of this?”

The proposed legislation also contains drastic changes to the employment conditions of teachers employed at a school that converts to a charter school. “The legislation proposes to completely override teachers’current rights both in employment law and their collective agreement – this is a profound change that, along with the other changes, deserves a decent amount of scrutiny.

“Rather than fast tracking the consultation process, the Government should be rolling out a comprehensive programme letting school communities know what is in store and encouraging them to have their say.”

The Education and Training Amendment Bill, which provides the framework to establish charter schools, had its first reading under urgency today and has been referred to the education and workforce select committee. The select committee has been instructed to report back in early September, allowing approximately eight weeks for the written and oral submission process.

Last modified on Wednesday, 26 June 2024 15:10

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Charter schools legislation contains unpleasant surprises

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“We are shocked to see it includes legislating completely over teachers’ rights under employment law and their own employment agreement.”

Usually if public schools merge or close, teachers can access support to relocate to other schools, or are eligible for redundancy type provisions. However, this legislation proposes that if a public school converts to a charter school, then teachers, principals, and all school employees would be forced to either transfer to the new charter school – or resign.

This is despite charter schools having stark differences to state schools. For example, charter schools will not be required to employ trained and registered teachers or teach the New Zealand Curriculum or provide a New Zealand qualification. 

“Effectively the Government is seeking to strong-arm teachers into charter schools. Associate Education Minister David Seymour has said repeatedly that teachers will want to teach in charter schools. Why then remove the provisions that protect teachers’ choice to opt out of a conversion with dignity and keep our valuable teachers in the state school teaching workforce?”

Chris Abercrombie said there was no proof that charter schools were successful when they were introduced last time – and the fact that all of them, bar one, have been reintegrated into the state school system showed they were an unnecessary experiment.

“There is nothing charter schools claim to do that can’t be done in a local state school, given the resources and political commitment. The only thing charter schools have been proven to do is to open the door to the privatisation of our education system by enabling businesses to come in and run schools for a profit.

“New Zealanders want their local schools to be community assets, run by local representatives – not commercial conglomerates. The $153 million being poured into the charter school experiment could – and should – be put to far better use in our local state schools.”

Last modified on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 12:39

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Fatal crash, Horotiu Road

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Location:

Waikato

Police can confirm one person has died following an earlier crash south of Te Kowhai.

The single vehicle crash happened at around 4:40pm.

Sadly, the driver has died at the scene.

Horotiu Road remains closed.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

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DOC appeals to equine lovers for horse homes

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  27 March 2025

The Department of Conservation (DOC) aims to keep the heritage horse herd at around 300 horses, the agreed limit to keep the horses healthy and protect the fragile ecosystems of the unique Moawhango Ecological Zone.

Rehoming is coordinated by the dedicated, not-for-profit group Kaimanawa Heritage Horses (KHH). However, they have not received nearly enough applications for re-homing this year.

DOC Senior Biodiversity Ranger Sarah Tunnicliffe says the rehoming benefits both the horses and the environment.

“Our latest aerial survey shows the herd is more than double the recommended 300 horses, which risks environmental damage and food shortages for the horses.”

In recent years, with Animal Ethics Committee support, DOC has introduced a contraceptive treatment for some mares to support population control. This supporting method takes a few years to take effect, and rehoming continues to be the primary tool for herd management.

“The muster is our opportunity to balance the continued health of the heritage herd with the protection of rare plants and ecosystems which make New Zealand special,” says Sarah.

“It’s a win-win, but is reliant on Kaimanawa Heritage Horses getting enough applications for rehoming.”

KHH chair Carolyn Haigh stresses the urgency of finding homes.

“With applications closing soon, time is running out. We encourage people to contact us for information on the rehoming process.”

The annual muster is in late April, with applications for horses open until April 14.

If you can provide a home for a Kaimanawa horse, please contact KHH at muster@kaimanawaheritagehorses.org or visit www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org/muster-information.

Your help is crucial to protect these horses and their environment.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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New insights into Bay of Islands dolphins

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  26 March 2025

The Department of Conservation (DOC) today released findings on Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary (MMS) and the local bottlenose dolphin population.

The research highlights meaningful opportunities to strengthen conservation efforts.

DOC has dedicated significant time and resources to safeguarding bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands.

“Bottlenose dolphins are long-lived animals, and population trends take time to shift,” says DOC Northern North Island Regional Operations Director, Sue Reed-Thomas.

“Our focus is on consistent, proactive management, underpinned by science and supported by strong partnerships with hapū and the wider community.

“While the findings recognise areas where progress has been made, they also reveal important gaps in current management approaches that DOC is determined to address.”

DOC is publishing two significant documents that together provide a clearer picture of the pressures on bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands and outline a practical path forward for their protection.

The first, a science report commissioned by DOC and undertaken by NIWA and the Far Out Ocean Research Collective, describes multiple periods of significant decline in the number of bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi over the past 30 years.

Drawing on decades of data, the report highlights the pressures these dolphins face and underscores the need for long-term, evidence-based conservation efforts.

The second document is an internal review evaluating the Bay of Islands Marine Mammal Sanctuary’s effectiveness since its establishment in 2021. Informed by the findings of the science report, as well as compliance, education, and operational data, the review highlights practical steps DOC can take to better protect dolphins and other marine mammals in the sanctuary.

“Both reports give us a clear understanding of the long-term population trends, and how we can adapt and improve our management of the marine mammal sanctuary. It’s about using what we’ve learned to move forward in a meaningful way,” says Sue Reed-Thomas.

DOC’s Bay of Islands operations team has already started work to enhance compliance and enforcement within the marine mammal sanctuary, continue building on the partnerships with local hapū, and expand community engagement and education efforts.

“Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure these taonga species are protected for generations to come,” says Sue Reed-Thomas.

Background information

Te Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary Review Report (PDF, 538K)

Update on the population and spatial ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands, March 2025 by NIWA (PDF, 3,606K)

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Cutting tracks for flourishing whio

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  24 March 2025

Whio are a threatened duck species unique to Aotearoa New Zealand. If they disappear from here, they’ll be gone forever.

Work to protect whio in the Central Southern Alps began in 2004 with trapping in the Styx Valley. The trapping network quickly grew to include the valleys of Arahura, Taipo and Kawhaka behind Hokitika. The latest expansion into the Rocky and Griffin Creeks is the culmination of years of effort to protect whio in the area.

Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Antje Wahlberg says the site has been the slow and steady “tortoise” of the South Island security sites where active protection of whio is underway.

“Although the other sites increased quickly to 50 or more protected pairs, Central Southern Alps has seen a slow but steady increase in its whio population thanks to predator control and our breed-for-release programme,” Antje says.

“Rocky and Griffin creeks are a small but productive area for whio, and they fill a geographic gap we had in the centre of the Security Site. It feels like we’ve finally connected the dots.”

“Thanks to the consistent support from Genesis we’ve been able to make this progress – we expect to count 50 protected pairs at our next full census.”

DOC and Genesis have been protecting whio together since 2011, and staff involved in the partnership are excited to be celebrating Whio Awareness Week from 24-30 March.

Kate van Praagh, GM Sustainability at Genesis, says the company’s staff are proud to support conservation efforts for whio.

“It’s great seeing the outcomes of many years of trapping. Whio Awareness Week is a special time to shine a spotlight on whio and the amazing mahi being done to help whio thrive by communities in places such as the Central Southern Alps.”

Antje says the steady success of whio in the Central Southern Alps has only been possible with a network of contributors including Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Orana Wildlife Park, Kiwi Park Queenstown, and volunteers, as well as the support of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae.

“We can all be part of whio recovery, so look out for whio this Whio Awareness Week!”

Background information

  • Whio Awareness Week is being celebrated 24-30 March 2025, with the theme ‘look out for whio’.
  • Whio/blue duck are a unique species found nowhere else in the world.
  • Whio are river specialists living on fast-flowing rivers.
  • Healthy whio populations indicate healthy rivers and streams. The more breeding pairs of whio, the healthier the river.
  • The survival of whio largely depends on the protection of secure source populations throughout mainland New Zealand.
  • Genesis partners with DOC to support the Whio Recovery Programme nationally.
  • Learn more about the Whio Forever programme and the Genesis – DOC partnership at Whio Forever partnership

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Pānui: Rāhui, Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  22 March 2025

He rāhui

He aitua! He aitua!

Ka papaki te tai o te atarau, ka huri aku kamo ki te tihi o Tongariro ki nga hihi o te ra e piata mai ana. Aue taukuri e!

It is with great sadness that Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro acknowledge a recent death in Tongariro National Park.

With the support of the Department of Conservation and New Zealand Police a rāhui has been placed on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for three days from today Saturday 22 March 2025. It will be lifted at 6 am on Wednesday 26 March.

To show respect, all hikers in the area are asked to consider using alternative tracks during the rāhui.

A rāhui (physical and spiritual protection mechanism) sets a temporary prohibition around the rāhui area and limits access for that period in order to acknowledge the death and to express sympathy to the whānau of the deceased.

It provides time for tapu (sacredness) to dissipate following the death allowing time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at place as well as the people; in particular the grieving whānau.  

Transport operators for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing have been made aware of the rāhui.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Survey Underway to Protect Hector’s Dolphins in Otago

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  21 March 2025

Scientists have had favourable weather conditions and good success in locating dolphins, allowing them to gather valuable data that will help improve conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.

Hector’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori), also known as tutumairekurai, pahu, or upokohue, are endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand and are considered a taonga species. With an estimated population of 15,700, they are managed under the Hector’s and Māui Dolphin Threat Management Plan, which recognises four distinct sub-populations around the South Island.

“Until now, conservation management for Hector’s dolphins in Otago has been based on their assumed connection to other populations along the East Coast of the South Island. The local population is estimated at around 40 individuals,” says Anton van Helden, DOC Senior Science Advisor. 

“By collecting high quality genetic samples, we can use these data to determine how closely related – or not – the dolphins in this area are to neighbouring populations, and ensure they are managed appropriately.”

“This research will provide a clearer picture of how Otago’s Hector’s dolphins are connected to other populations and will help guide conservation efforts. It builds on the valuable eDNA research already undertaken by the University of Otago,” says Anton. 

Recent research by the University of Otago using environmental DNA (eDNA) provided an initial look at the genetics of these dolphins. The findings suggest they may be more genetically linked to dolphins on the south coast of the South Island rather than other east coast groups, raising important questions about population connectivity and exposure to regional threats such as fishing. However, while eDNA is useful for species detection, it does not provide the level of genetic detail needed to reliably assess population structure.

The survey team is using a well-established biopsy sampling technique, where a small, lightweight dart collects tiny skin and blubber samples from free-swimming dolphins. This method, which has been safely used on Māui dolphins for more than 15 years, provides high-quality DNA for genetic analysis with minimal disturbance to the animals.

“The tiny samples we collect are archived in the New Zealand Cetacean Tissue Archive (NZCeTA) and will give us opportunities to understand genetic relationships, age structure, aspects of their diet, and even reproductive status” says Anton.

The survey, which began on Sunday, 16 March, will continue until Saturday, 22 March, covering the coastline from just south of Oamaru to just north of Taieri. The collected samples will be analysed in collaboration with the New Zealand Cetacean Tissue Archive at the University of Auckland – Waipapa Taumata Rau and mana whenua.

With the survey progressing well, the data collected will contribute to the long-term protection of Hector’s dolphins, ensuring their survival for future generations.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Failure to manage teacher supply shortchanges young people massively

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The Minister has announced new measures to provide ‘limited authorities to teach’ to encourage unqualified teachers and teachers who no longer hold registration to work as relief teachers in schools.

“She is essentially looking to flood classrooms with unregistered relievers as the teaching shortage bites.

“Very few of these relievers will be across the new requirements for the implementation of level 1 NCEA, or the new English and Maths curriculum or structured literacy delivery. Some teachers without practising certificates won’t have taught for well over three years.

“Principals are already reporting that the constant use of relievers impacts on students’ enjoyment of school, which then impacts on attendance. Having more unqualified and uncertificated people in front of them is not going to help with this. Secondary students need specialist teachers who are grounded in their subject and can challenge and stretch students’ learning and knowledge.”

Chris Abercrombie says the Minister’s response is evidence of a systemic failure to recognise and value teaching and ensure that teachers are retained and new teachers are attracted to the profession.

“Rather than responding to this crisis with a set of ad hoc measures, the Government needs to urgently create a workforce strategy for the teaching workforce.”

Chris Abercrombie says the Government needs to support the teaching profession with adequate resourcing of new NCEA requirements, better wrap around services for students who need them, and improved pay and working conditions for teachers.

“The cold, hard fact of the matter is that there are thousands of highly skilled and experienced former teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand today who would come back to school next week if the salary and conditions were attractive.

“Every young person has a right to a trained and registered specialist teacher in every subject. Denying them that right, because of a failure to ensure a consistent supply of New Zealand trained and qualified secondary teachers, undermines the life choices of our young people and the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

He said the Minister also needed to seriously consider the double standard of pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into charter schools – which Treasury advised against – while severely under-funding the public education system, where the vast majority of students and teachers are learning and working.

Last modified on Sunday, 15 September 2024 14:35