October 16, 2012
Minister Parata skips education hui
Embattled Education Minister Hekia Parata has bowed out of a meeting for education leaders discuss the future of teaching.
The minister says a schedule clash will keep her away from the Teacher Education Forum of Aotearoa New Zealand’s hui at Massey University’s Manawatu Campus next week.
Up to 120 leading education researchers, policy makers and teacher union representatives are expected to discuss topics such as demographic change, how to define the quality of beginning teachers, control over professional standards and the place of alternative teacher education.
Ms Parata is battling the profession over national standards and plans to close or merge Christchurch schools, and she got a frosty reception at the recent PPTA conference.
Associate education minister Maori Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples is set attend the event.