The Green Party supports an education system that fosters lifelong learning for tamariki, and develops the skills they need to participate in society as we transition to a zero carbon future that is sustainable, equitable and peaceful. Education must incorporate Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It must provide for diverse educational and cultural needs, and uphold the rights of children and young people. Teachers and other educational staff should be valued, with good pay and conditions. Schools and early childhood centres should be acknowledged as central to the wellbeing of our communities.
Vision
All children and young people develop their skills and talents and learn how to use them for good in the world.
Values and Principles
Aotearoa New Zealand's early childhood, primary and secondary education system must be consistent with the following values and principles:
- Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Education should share the stories of our past and help us ground a sense of national identity in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Māori should have control of and tino rangatiratanga over their education and have the right to contribute to the education of all New Zealanders, as through the mechanisms of Matike Mai.
- Ecological Wisdom: Education should nurture respectful relationships with the natural world and a sense of responsibility and reciprocity, including the protection of the taiao in line with tikanga Māori.
- Social Responsibility: Education should foster lifelong learning for all New Zealanders and nurture learners' dispositions and skills, to enable them to lead lives filled with hope, joy and satisfaction. It should meet the diverse needs of individuals as well as the needs of the whole community.
- Appropriate Decision-Making: Education should encourage and support people to take responsibility for their own learning and for helping others learn effectively.
- Non-Violence: Education should uphold children and young people’s rights, celebrate diversity, and build skills for peaceful conflict resolution and cooperation.
- Contribution: Education should develop the skills needed to fully participate in society and to contribute innovatively and creatively to the work of creating a healthy and sustainable society.
Strategic Priorities
The Green Party’s strategic goals include:
“...inclusive education will be available to all.”
Actions in this policy that will help achieve this include:
- Trial alternative models of school governance that improve inclusivity and self-determination in education. (1.14)
- Provide advice and support on implementing the breadth of the National Curriculum in local contexts. (1.1)
- Resource the universal teaching of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in all public schools. (4.11)
- End classroom streaming or grouping by perceived ability, recognising this exacerbates inequality and is not supported by evidence for improved learning outcomes. (6.10)
- Ensure that all schools and early childhood services have policies, practices, resources and programmes to create a whole school culture that is inclusive, and supports the identification and elimination of prejudice, racism, bullying, intimidation, and violence. (9.1)
- Establish a unit within the Ministry of Education designed to support schools, and the education system in general, to listen and respond to the voices of children. (10.3)
Connected Policies
Children and Youth must be supported to thrive at home and at school. Education at primary and secondary levels should prepare students for lifelong learning, including Tertiary Education. All children should be able to experience inclusive education with appropriate support - see our Kaupapa Māori, Tagata Moana, Disability and Rainbow Policies, for example.
