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NZSTA Media Statements

February 2010

NZPF figures misleading - The New Zealand School Trustees Association says the New Zealand Principals Federation is continuing to muddy the waters regarding National Standards with its latest incorrect and misleading claim

January 2010

Shotgun approach to standards issue by union not helpful - The continued “shotgun approach” by the primary teachers union (NZEI) and the Principals Federation (NZPF) to the Nationals Standards issue is not helpful to anyone says the New Zealand School Trustees Association
Time to recognise work of school trustees - With the triennial trustee elections happening in May this year, it is appropriate to recognise the great work that school trustees do in the running of our 2,460 state and state integrated schools.

September 2009

Get over league table scaremongering says head of trustee organisation - School trustees say that scaremongering over league tables should not be allowed to overshadow parents’ right to know how their children are doing at school.

July 2009

The following media statements have been released in conjunction with NZSTA's annual conference 3-5 July 2009 at SKYCITY Convention Centre, Auckland.

Boards of trustees influence student achievement - When searching for student underachievement, the school board of trustees is not usually high on the list. However, a visiting education specialist from the United States says that needs to change.
Focus on schools - no excuses, no exceptions - NZSTA president Lorraine Kerr says there is never any reason to let students fall through the cracks, and boards need to aim to raise the achievement of all students, including the most troubled or difficult.
Schools need to be aware of financial dishonesty- The New Zealand School Trustees Association is urging schools to be vigilant of financial dishonesty and fraud.
New Zealand needs to address boys' education concerns - New Zealand is behind the eight ball when it comes to addressing concerns over boys' education in schools.
Schools need to work smarter for "difficult" students - a number of young New Zealanders are missing out on the education they are entitled to because their behavious or disability is challenging for schools.
Teachers open up - Boards of trustees will discover what teachers want in the workplace when the results of a survey of teachers from around the country are released this weekent (July 3-5).

March 2009

Released reports confirm school funding woes. New Zealand School Trustees Association is welcoming reports that back up what it has been saying to the Government for a number of years - schools need more money.

February 2009

Commonsense prevails on school healthy eating says NZSTA. The Minister of Education is to be congratulated on her announcement that the requirement on boards to ensure that only healthy food and drink is available at schools is to be amended.

January 2009

The New Zealand School Trustees Association says if all of our students are going to succeed at school we must have robust debate on teacher excellence and what that might mean.

December 2008

The PPTA is clutching at straws in its attempts to discredit the Tomorrow's Schools process, and is insulting trustees in the process.
School trustees are questioning recent NZCER comments critical of principal appointments saying the vast majority of principal appointments are successful. NZSTA says the results speak for themselves.

November 2008

NZSTA congratulates Anne Tolley on her appointment as the new Minister of Education , along with Heather Roy and Dr Pita Sharples in their associate roles.
Major political parties have failed New Zealand students by ignoring the ongoing inadequacy of schools operational funding, the New Zealand School Trustees Association says.

October 2008

The people who manage school budgets say the adequacy of funding of schools must be up for debate during the election campaign.
The government's failure to give schools enough money to operate means NZSTA cannot support significant pay rises for non-teaching staff. Schools will struggle to fund future pay rises for school staff.
School boards of trustees have come out well in the NZCER national surveys on curriculum changes, priorities and issues.
School funding to go on the election agenda. President of the New Zealand School Trustees Association Lorraine Kerr says parents all over New Zealand will be interested to hear how many cake stalls and galas they are going to have to run to support their kids achieving at school.

September 2008

“Don’t let facts spoil a good position paper” – NZSTA hits out at PPTA’s inaccurate paper.
NZSTA president Lorraine Kerr re-elected and promises to tackle unfinished business.

July 2008

Conference 2008 Christchurch
New Zealand schools face the possibility of a shooting happening in their grounds - and police are calling on schools to have plans in place to deal with it. Schools need plans to deal with armed incidents.
Some school boards of trustees find themselves in the dark over who to turn to for help when dealing with student suspensions. Trustees are urged to do their homework on student discipline.
The constant worry of having to stretch already limited funds detracts from schools' focus on student achievement, but there are no excuses for underachievement.
Increasing parental pressure sees kids quit sport says Sport and Recreation New Zealand's Lawrie Stewart at NZSTA conference.
Education doesn't start when you walk inside the school gate and stop when you walk out - parents are urged to get involved in children's learning.
With eight out of 10 bullying incidents in schools linked to cyber and text bullying, parents and boards of trustees must keep up with the play.

June 2008

Education issues will be under the spotlight at NZSTA's conference in Christchurch next month, where more than 600 school trustees will tackle some of the big education issues.

May 2008

The Boost in ops funding welcomed, but schools not in clover yet - B oards of trustees and principals will welcome the 5% increase to operational funding equating to $171.6m over the next four years, New Zealand School Trustees Association President Lorraine Kerr says.

April 2008

Budget 2008 must deliver.

March 2008

Moving from Good to Great (a think piece from Lorraine Kerr, President, NZSTA)

December 2007

The government is being told to stop relying on communities to dig into their pockets to the tune of an estimated $500 million a year to keep New Zealand's schools afloat. Government urged to turn a new leaf in 2008 - NZSTA

November 2007

The New Zealand School Trustees Association says schools around the country should take a keen interest in a recent decision in the Hamilton High Court, relating to a pupil being stood down from his school NZSTA welcomes High Court, relating in favour of school
While the ratification of the settlement by secondary schools is welcome, the potential imposed additional costs on boards and schools in implementing the settlement is not, says New Zealand School Trustees Association president, Lorraine Kerr Teachers' Settlement

July 2007

School trustees deserve greater recognition - School trustees deserve more recognition for the valuable role they play in schools, rather than being perceived as glorified volunteers Trustee Recognition
The key to effective governance by school trustees - “know your stuff” - The best laid plans of a school board of trustees can come unstuck if board members don’t truly understand their role, according to Wellington public lawyer Robert Buchanan Robert Buchanan
Schools groaning under strain of extra responsibilities - Society’s problems are more and more often being left at the school gates and unless schools receive more support then something’s got to give Dumping Ground
Search and seizure grey area for schools - Schools need more certainty around their right to search students and seize items according to the New Zealand School Trustees Association Search and Seizure
Help unleash the potential of Maori students - The potential for Maori achievement has never been better, says a leading educationist academic Professor Mason Durie Mason Durie
Education issues under the spotlight at trustee conference - Around 600 school trustees will be gathering in Wellington next month for what is looking to be the biggest ever New Zealand School Trustees Association conference Conference 2007

June 2007

May 2007

Schools, students, and employers will welcome changes to the NCEA announced today, says New Zealand School Trustees Association President, Lorraine Kerr. NCEA Improvements (29/5/2007)
Some relief for schools funding – but no rejoicing - The New Zealand School Trustees Association has welcomed the 4% increase in operational funding for schools announced in today’s budget. NZSTA President Lorraine Kerr says the increase will provide a measure of interim relief member boards have been looking for. “However, we need to remember that, with inflation running around 2.6%, this represents a mere 1.4% extra relief above inflation.” Relieved but not rejoicing
School boards hoping for some budget cheer ... 2,500 school boards and close to 18,000 trustees and principals are hoping that the 2007/08 budget will deliver some "cheer" in the form of much needed additional funding. Budget Cheer for 2007?

March 2007

The New Zealand School Trustees Association send congratulations and a very warm welcome to the thousands of trustees who have successfully gained a place on their local school boards - Elections close MR.doc
The New Zealand School Trustees Association is backing new research calling for greater support of boards of trustees in their critical governance role - NZCER research MR.doc
The 2007 school trustee elections process is now in its final stages, says Ray Newport, General Manager, New Zealand School Trustees Association - Trustee elections.doc

February 2007

The leadership of the Association representing the interests of school boards of trustees in New Zealand have given top priority to the completion of the schools operation funding review as a key issue for this year - Urgent action needed.doc
New Zealand School Trustees Association is calling for an urgent completion of the schools' operational funding review - Operational grants review MR 23 Feb.doc

December 2006

The New Zealand School Trustees Association says New Zealanders have good reason to celebrate the high quality of education experienced by the vast majority of students in our schools - Celebrate your schools.doc
Two reports just released on schools' funding show clearly that schools are under financial pressure - OFR media release.doc
It is very disappointing the Government continues to impose costs on boards of trustees at a time when schools are already struggling to make ends meet - More costs imposed on schools.doc
Taupo woman Lorraine Kerr takes over as president of NZSTA in October and is the first Maori woman president of the assocation - New president 06.doc
Complaining NZers good news, says ombudsman - New Zealanders are becoming more vocal complainers and that’s a good thing, according to chief ombudsman John Belgrave.
Student leaders to discuss big issues - The future of secondary education is up for debate this week as student leaders from around New Zealand gather in Christchurch .
Trustees to tackle top education issues - Over 600 school trustees from one end of New Zealand to the other have signed up for a conference in Christchurch looking at the big issues facing schools.
School’s cutting edge research aims to make a difference for kids - Changing the lives of kids is the goal of leading research under way at Pukekohe High School.
Schools urged to recognise cybersafety risks - Privately-owned ICT devices, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, Ipods and memory sticks, are beginning to cause concern in our schools, says an Internet safety expert.
School boards undervalued, says Christchurch business leader - A Christchurch business leader says the huge commitment school trustees make to students’ education goes largely unnoticed unless something goes wrong.
NZSTA wants councils to stop dumping on schools - The decision to drop a controversial tax on school toilets in Auckland is being applauded by the New Zealand School Trustees Association, but they warn such taxes need to be dumped for good.
Drug testing key weapon against drugs in schools - Schools are increasingly using drug testing as a frontline weapon in the fight against student drug abuse, according to the New Zealand School Trustees Association.
Schools’ finances stretched as international students stay away - Schools are feeling the pinch financially as international student numbers drop, which further highlights the inadequacy of school operations grant funding, says the New Zealand School Trustees Association.

May 2006

"Budget no surprises" NZSTA views on Budget release

February 2006

The New Zealand School Trustees Association supports the idea of parents being able to freely access student data, and it wants even more information to be shared with parents. School-based data MR.doc

January 2006

Student leaders who are members of school boards of trustees around the country take to the high seas tomorrow on the Spirit of Adventure, in a novel approach to school governance professional development. Learning with a Difference.doc

November 2005

The number of statutory managers appointed to intervene in New Zealand schools is low, in line with the good governance practices of boards of trustees says the New Zealand School Trustees Association [NZSTA]. School Interventions Low.doc

July 2005 (Conference 2005)

The New Zealand School Trustees Association is amazed the Government has "found" $300 million to wipe interest on student debt - yet continually refuses to adequately fund the operations grant for compulsory schooling.

Students loans media release.doc

The New Zealand School Trustees Association welcomes the Government's decision to pull back from controversial proposed changes to directly resourced school bus arrangements. Bus U-turn MR.doc
School trustees will be keen to see a review of operational funding but it must be undertaken as a matter of urgency, says the New Zealand School Trustees Association. OPs review MR.doc
Trustees are expected to vent their anger over the on-going saga of inadequate Government funding to schools at the New Zealand School Trustees Association's up-coming conference. NZSTA Conference MR.doc
Future school network reviews will continue to alienate communities and jeopardise children's education unless boards of trustees are given the power to control the process, says an education researcher. Shirley Harris MR.doc
Businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of good governance - and a growing number are requesting the successful training model offered to an estimated 18,000 school trustees around the country. Ray Newport MR.doc
School communities are being called on to instil stricter codes of valus in their schools, in order to help curb the number of student stand-downs and suspensions. R Mulligan MR.doc
More than 650 school trustees will be converging on Auckland to discuss pressing issues facing schools as part of the annual New Zealand School Trustees Association's Conference. Preview MR.doc
The playground chant of "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me" does not ring true for one expert on children's issues. Michael Gaffney MR.doc
New Zealand's investment in leadership development is massively lacking - and schools are not exempt, says international business consultant Harry Mills. Harry Mills MR.doc
Quality teachers are turning their backs on becoming school principals because of the complexity and ever-increasing workload of the top job, says an Auckland academic. David Eddy MR.doc
It's fun, free and healthy - and Auckland students are also finding walking to school gives them the chance to try their hand at town planning.

Anna Percy MR.doc

May 2005

School trustees and parents across the country will be disappointed in the lack of government repsonse to their concerns about the inadequacies of schools operational funding, says the New Zealand School Trustees Association. Budget 19 May 2005.doc

April 2005

New Zealand School Trustees Association is hitting out at the Government over the inadequacy of school funding following reports one Wellington school is relying on the community to provide one third of its running costs. Chartwell media release.doc

March 2005

New Zealand School Trustees Association says schools can be well prepared for emergencies by taking advantage of special software.

Emergency MR.doc

The school sector is upping the ante in its fight to show that boards of trustees can't make ends meet on Government funding alone. Concerns2.doc
The New Zealand School Trustees Association is sticking it to the Government - with a bumper sticker campaign calling for an increase in funding for schools. Ops grant stickers MR.doc

February 2005

The New Zealand School Trustees Association President Chris Haines says its time to put aside the hype and rhetoric around NCEA and scholarship.

NCEA2 MR.doc

The New Zealand School Trustees Association welcomes the idea of a programme aimed at encouraging and helping parents get more involved in their children's education. Parent power.doc

January 2005

The New Zealand School Trustees Association is calling on the Government to give schools a funding injection with the $770 million welfare underspend. Ops funding boost MR.doc
The New Zealand School Trustees Association says the results of a survey that showed the cost of education in New Zealand is increasing will come as no surprise to ever suffering parents. Survey results MR.doc
The New Zealand School Trustees Association says NCEA is well on its way to reach its full potential, with the final stages of the implementation of the new qualification at a close. NZSTA on NCEA.doc
As schools prepare for the new year, the New Zealand School Trustees Association is reminding the government that an increase to operations grants is still at the top of its wish list. Ops New Year MR.doc

December 2004

Education Minister Trevor Mallard's announcement of an extra $27 million for schools' operations grant is a step in the right direction, says the New Zealand School Trustees Association. Funding Increase.doc
New Zealand School Trustees Association says the government's announcement of extra funding for isolated schools is not addressing the real issue of schools being under-funded. Underfunding MR.doc

November 2004

New Zealand School Trustees Association's President, Chris Haines, says schools cannot provide everything they are required to within current government funding levels.
School Funding MR.doc

October 2004

School Trustees say parent-elected board of trustees do an excellent job of governing the country's schools and there is strong support of the current system....
School Governance MR.doc

The New Zealand School Trustees Association is behind the Government's move to make Kiwi kids more active - but says more discussion is needed on how the new initiative will be resourced..... Increased activity.doc

September 2004

A study into school finances has found effective schools could not continue to provide students with their current standard of education if they relied on government funding alone....
Research MR.doc
NZSTA welcomes the primary school teachers' proposed settlement..... Teachers Final Settlement.doc
Education Minister, Trevor Mallard, is painting an unrealistic portrait of schools' financial health, says the New Zealand School Trustees Association....
Snapshot MR.doc

The New Zealand School Trustees Association is welcoming the secondary school teachers decision to give the thumbs-up to a new three-year collective employment agreement..... Teachers Settlement.doc

August 2004

Acting Education Minister Steve Maharey's claim of increased Government funding for schools ignores the fact school communities are footing a growing share of the bill.... Govt Funding MR.doc

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