MR 2008/77 - ABC staff need assurances for the future

Australian receivers are now calling for expressions of interest in New Zealand's ABC childcare business from potential buyers. NZEI says ABC centres in New Zealand must be sold as a going concern, and should not be sold off individually.

  Media Release 2008/77 (0.1mb pdf)

BN 2008/19 - Organisational Review Consultation - Term One 2009

The Organisational Review Steering Group is developing a proposal for the design and operation of NZEI Te Riu Roa structures. Consultation on these proposed structures and ways of working will occur between February and April 2009. All Branches, Aronui Tomua, Komiti Pasifika, networks and District Councils should plan to facilitate meetings for members to discuss and debate the proposals.

  Branch News 2008/19 (0.3mb pdf)

NN 2008/97 - Kindergarten claims for negotiation

Members who attended the recent paid union meetings overwhelmingly endorsed the proposed claims. Three additional claims have been added, these relate to assistant head teachers, domestic leave and support for te reo education.

  NZEI News 2008/97 (0.4mb pdf)

MR 2008/76 - No exemption for education in fire at will bill

Thousand of schools and early childhood centres will be affected by the government’s “Fire at Will” bill which is being pushed through parliament today under urgency.

  Media Release 2008/76 (0.1mb pdf)

MR 2008/75 - Government can’t afford to shut door on the chalkface

It is incomprehensible that parliament’s education and select committee has voted to deny education sector groups an opportunity to have some input on critical legislation to introduce national standards for literacy and numeracy.

  Media Release 2008/75 (0.1mb pdf)

MR 2008/74 - Drop off in science achievement levels not surprising

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study is conducted every four years. It measures achievement levels among Year 5 students in 59 countries and the results for 2006/7 have just been released. The results of this international study showed a marked drop in student achievement levels in science.

  Media Release 2008/74 (0.1mb pdf)

MR 2008/73 - 90 Day Bill rides rough-shod over workers

The government’s 90 Day Bill rides rough-shod over workers and pushing it through parliament as a matter of urgency, is ill-considered and irresponsible. NZEI believes the legislation is unfair and unjustified and there is still confusion over exactly how it will be applied.

  Media Release 2008/73 (0.1mb pdf)

WN 2008/05 - Paid Parental Leave

• For more information about Paid Parental Leave please visit www.ers.govt.nz

NZPA - Waitress gets $22,000 after pregnancy sacking

A waitress has been awarded more than $22,000 after the Auckland cafe she worked at sacked her to prevent an application for maternity leave and to cover the lack of tax paid on her wages.

MR 2008/72 - Principalship Under Pressure

School principals need better support and career development opportunities, to stop them leaving the workforce in droves. New research shows only a third of principals who left their job this year, were moving to new principal positions.

  Media Release 2008/72 (0.1mb pdf)

Rourou 2008/11 - Special Education Building bridges between home and school

A nationwide NZEI survey last year of primary and intermediate school staff found that more than 50 percent of teachers and more than a quarter of school support staff had experienced aggressive verbal confrontations with students. Some staff had been assaulted. Ministry of Education statistics for last year also show an increase in the number of student suspensions and stand-downs for the primary sector. What can be done to stem the rising tide of disruptive behaviour? Rourou visited Tauranga where Group Special Education is having success with early intervention programmes.