A quick note from me just to make you aware of the politicisation occurring in New Zealand schools.
And I would like to quickly acknowledge that you will be hearing from us a bit more frequently in the coming weeks as there is so much happening around the Treaty Principles Bill that we need to keep you updated on. These issues are too important not to share with you.
Yesterday, the hīkoi that was meant to be about the Treaty Principles Bill made its way across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. I say 'meant to be' because those taking part cited a number of issues as their reason for being there, including hatred of David Seymour, a desire to get rid of the Government (that was Willie Jackson), and (judging by the flags) pro-Palestine activism.
It was a school day, and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour made it clear that students should be at school. Some schools, it seems, disagreed.
Here is one example from Naenae Primary School. Kiwiblog also shares one from South Wellington Intermediate School.
David Farrar has suggested that New Zealanders concerned with the blatant politicisation going on should report schools which are breaching political neutrality to the Teaching Council.
We think this is a great idea.
As we are demonstrating with our approach to fighting back with the media, Hobson's Pledge is done with politely tolerating the behaviour of radicals. Our opponents use any means possible to silence and attack us, why should we not use regulatory tools (appropriately, I might add) to disincentivise destructive activism.
The Kiwiblog article shows some examples that you can report to the Teaching Council, but you may have heard of others. Please let us know if you have, and we can report those too.
CLICK HERE FOR THE TEACHING COUNCIL COMPLAINT FORM
Once the form has been completed, email it to: [email protected] or post to: Manager Professional Responsibility Teaching Council Aotearoa New Zealand PO Box 5326, Wellington 6140 New Zealand.