The Independent Schools Education Association, the union representing teachers and support staff in private schools throughout New Zealand, is concerned at the recent announcement of a proposed school charter system as outlined in National and ACT’s confidence and supply agreement.

The New Zealand education system is well regarded globally therefore one would have to question the rationale behind such a proposal. For a number of years many countries have looked to New Zealand as an example of best practice. In fact, we do a tremendous job in educating teachers in other parts of the world including the Middle East and North America. We need to further develop our existing system and work towards the common goal of providing sufficient funding to allow New Zealand education system to continue on the path of greatness. 

ISEA supports the state sector education unions, NZEI and PPTA with the belief that there should be a long-term strategy for education in New Zealand, a strategy which requires political consensus. We urge political parties to work together to develop a collaborative national process that supports constructive educational change. We do not see any benefit in having "business" education providers competing with existing state, integrated and independent schools for students and funding.

ISEA urge the government to give priority to developing a system which is well resourced and funded and has its future citizens at the forefront of the planning as opposed to the bottom line profit for private individuals wishing to set up charter schools. When we see schools such as Wanganui Collegiate applying to be integrated we know that not only is choice becoming limited in terms of education in New Zealand, but that there is a serious lack of funding for our existing schools.