Education

Education policy for me remains the backbone of all else. My own involvement, sitting on the board of an extremely successful Industry Training Organisation and as a University lecturer has only reinforced this opinion for me.

Recent international research places NZ educational standards among the highest in the world. This represents not just the basis on which all NZer’s will build their lives and prosperity but it is also a huge potential export earner that should be carefully nurtured for the benefit of the country as a whole. Where we need to pay specific attention is where groups in society are missing out, we need to maintain rigorous standards while allowing the flexibility to encourage the highest levels of participation.

Access and costs remain a huge issue for education. As a member of the generation that was first hit by student loans I have personally experienced their failure. I have been thrilled by Labours moves to reduce the burden of the cost of education on the individual particularly the removal of interest on student loans. Education is I believe a public good. The single greatest brake on the NZ economy at the moment is that I believe we lack the skilled workers in many key fields. It is in everyone’s interests to help equip people to meet these challenges whether they are fresh out of school or retraining for something new at 55. Education should be for life and its cost should be shared by the community that will benefit as a whole.

I would like to see a return to universal student allowances and a gradual reduction of the fee’s maxima as it becomes affordable. But I could only agree with this if it sits alongside similar increases of support for other non academic education paths. Apprenticeships and industry training must continue to be fostered as they have been in the first two terms of this government. These also need more recognition in and integration with, our school system.

Disclaimer

The Labour party has a rigorous policy process whereby we debate ideas and establish the eventual party manifesto. It is the party manifesto that represents the official party policy. While unsurprisingly as a participant in this process I support the manifesto, on this site I have endeavoured to give my own personal views and thoughts so you will know where I stand on issues. In the majority of cases these will be in line with party policy, if however you want official Labour party policy please visit http://www.labour.org.nz