Kia ora
The New Zealand Principals' Federation has passed a motion of no confidence in the Government's education policy, especially the flawed National Standards.
When Principals oppose National Standards, you know something is seriously wrong.
It's time for John Key's Government to admit it got it wrong with National Standards. Real educational gains come from understanding and supporting teachers, parents, and most importantly, students. That's what I did with my Real Education Project earlier this year.
Catherine Delahunty, Green MP
- recommended 
- includes video
In this issue
Take action
Warm, Healthy Rentals: send an eCard to John Key
There are at least 1 million substandard homes in New Zealand and rental properties are generally the worst performing of these. We are calling on the Government to create performance standards which ensure warm, healthy, rentals.
Read about the warm, healthy rentals campaign | Send an eCard | Tell us your flatting horror stories
Events
Welfare reforms: a recipe for poverty?
Tuesday 19 April, 12:30-2pm - Waihi Memorial Hall, Waihi
Public Meeting: Visions of Christchurch: A Sustainable and Resilient Rebuild - with Kennedy Graham
Wednesday 20 April, 7-9pm - Netball Centre, Hagley Park, Christchurch
Light Rail for Wellington
Wednesday 27 April, 6:30-8:30pm - Aro Valley Community Centre, 48 Aro St, Aro Valley
Russel Norman on Back Benches - A fun night of live pub politics and debate
Wednesday 27 April, 9-10pm - Backbencher Pub, 34 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington or watch live
Save the Mokihinui Forum with Kevin Hague at Auckland University Canoe Club
Monday 2 May, 7-9pm - Case Room 1 (Room 260-005) of the Owen G Glenn Building (OGGB), 12 Grafton Street, Auckland Univeristy, Auckland
Press releases
Protect kids but not at cost of whanau
12 April 2011
The Green Party today welcomed moves to strengthen the protection of children from assault and ill-treatment, but expressed concerns that extending criminal liability to people outside a child's household went too far. Read more...
Private media interests trump public service broadcasting
7 April 2011
The Government is intent on favouring private broadcasting interests over the State broadcaster TVNZ, Green Party MP Sue Kedgley said today. Read more...
Justice delayed for family carers if Govt appeals again
7 April 2011
The Ministry of Health should stop wasting time and money appealing against the ruling that disabled people have the right to pay family members for their care, the Green Party said today. Read more...
PPP schools bad news for education
6 April 2011
News that the Government is opening up tenders to build and maintain two new schools in Hobsonville under a public-private partnership has been greeted with concern by the Green Party today. Read more...
Blog posts
Pink Shirt Day - by Catherine Delahunty
I believe that naming bullying behaviour should be a top priority, especially in schools. Read more...
Thoughts on Jetstar's discrimination - by Catherine Delahunty
When Jetstar refused two people the right to fly because they use wheelchairs and didn’t have two caregivers, it raised the endless and ongoing issue of discrimination against people with disabilities.
The debate is not new. Read more...
Autism awareness breakfast - by Catherine Delahunty
We celebrated World Autism Awareness Day with a breakfast in Parliament.
It was an honour to be asked by Autism New Zealand to host the event, which was well attended by MPs from across the political spectrum. Read more...
Earth. Let's not frak it up - by Gareth Hughes
It’s Armageddon this weekend! Read more...
Paula Bennett: Celebrating social policy failure while refusing to answer questions on Christchurch - by Catherine Delahunty
Paula Bennett is celebrating because the number of people receiving emergency hardship assistance has increased by 50% since she has been the Minister. Read more...
Welfare reforms failing in the UK – for all but the corporate providers - by frog
Part of the grand plan to emerge from the Welfare Working Group is to have greater private sector involvement in job placement. I guess the rationale is that the private sector does things “more efficiently”. Read more...
Speeches
Gareth Hughes speaks to the Education Amendment Bill (no.4) - first reading - Gareth Hughes MP, 13 April 2011
The Green Party will be opposing this bill tonight on its first reading. We have a mixed view on the bill, which is a grab bag of things. There are some good parts, mixed parts, and bad parts. Watch video or read transcript...
