Cambridge High School lead the way at the head of the Maadi Cup parade through the streets.
Cambridge High School Board presiding member Jim Goodrich says the school will continue to honour the Treaty of Waitangi despite the Government’s plans to axe obligations to give effect to the treaty.
Cambridge High School board member James Goodrich. Photo: supplied
Education minister Erica Stanford recently announced the Government would remove the Te Tiriti o Waitangi clause from the Education and Training Act 2020. She argued the clause had not improved Mãori achievement and placed unfair expectations on volunteer board members.
Goodrich said his focus was on the best outcomes for pupils and staff.
“I have no doubt that the board will maintain our commitment to mana whenua as partners in our educational community. We have recently co-opted a representative from our nga poutiaki to the board to support that partnership. We had unanimous support for this decision.
“Given how fresh this news is, we will be discussing things further at our next meeting as well.”
Erica Stanford
That discussion will include a recently launched School Boards Association petition.
Michael Woodward
He described the issue as a distraction.
Goodrich’s sentiments are echoed in high schools across the region.
Ōtorohanga College Board presiding member Michael Woodward said his school roll had a wide range of ethnicities.
“We need to ensure we engage with all areas of the community regardless of the government policy to help our students succeed.
“In my opinion, I believe that some form of choice is important and this is particularly important for those families who prioritise Māori values. They should have the ability to follow that path through college, where available, and likewise those that don’t should have the option to either elect that path or not.
Gareth Williams
Te Kūiti High School principal Gareth Williams said his school would continue to honour the treaty as well.
“It is really important to our school and our community, and we want equitable outcomes for our students,” he said. “How we operate will not change; we will continue to do what is best for our students, school and community.
Those opposed to the Government’s change say it risks erasing Mãori culture from schools.
The announcement follows Government cuts to Mãori resource teachers and Te Ahu o te Reo funding and removal of te reo Mãori from early readers.
