Source: New Zealand Principals’ Federation
Statement to be attributed to NZPF President, Jason Miles:
A video has surfaced showing the internal workings of curriculum development within the Ministry of Education. Of greatest concern, it reveals official direction to protect the Minister and avoid public scrutiny by illegally circumventing the Official Information Act.
While it is always shocking when a public servant is forced to be a whistleblower in the pursuit of transparency and open democracy, I am frankly not surprised by what has been exposed. Only last week, the Waitangi Tribunal report on the Crown’s reform of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national curriculum- showed how the Minister overhauled it in relative secrecy, ignored Māori voices and opposition from educators, and rejected the lack of evidence that the changes would reduce inequities. The leaked footage shows us one example of what that looks like – I am sure there will be plenty more to come.
NZPF is striving to achieve the education system our tamariki and rangatahi deserve. Our proposal for a permanent and statutory Curriculum and Assessment Council would give Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system the stability it needs, regardless of who is in government. Just last week, Labour’s education spokesperson Ginny Anderson publicly confirmed their party’s policy for the council, adding to endorsements from the Greens, New Zealand First, and The Opportunity Party.
It is exciting to see support growing within our sector, the public, and by political parties for a curriculum that is independent of political interference and ideologies. And it really begs belief that the Minister continues to argue that the NZPF is trying to inject ideology back into the curriculum. That is exactly what our proposed Curriculum and Assessment Council is trying to prevent.
To demonstrate the proposal’s validity and widespread support, NZPF is producing a public register where principals, educators, parents, organisations, and anyone with an interest in Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system can share their support. If you agree with our proposal for an independent Curriculum and Assessment Council, please add your name and help us share it further: nzpf.ac.nz/curriculum-and-assessment-council-proposal
One final note to Minister Stanford, the New Zealand Principals’ Federation is not a union nor are we little. We are the leading professional voice for principals and represent almost 2,000 members.
Hūtia te Rito o te Harakeke, kei Hea te Kōmako e Kō? The Stage Two, Part I Report of the Education and Training Amendment Act and Te Mātaiaho Urgent Inquiry. https://www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz/en/news/tribunal-releases-report-on-the-reform-of-the-national-curriculum