The Tick for Kids Auckland Central Candidates meeting was last night, and it was a fascinating insight into the political turmoil within the education sector at the moment.
Like all good things progressives seem to do, it was poorly marketed and that might explain why it wasn’t at maximum capacity which was a shame because watching Minister Hekia Parata close up was an highlight all on its own.
The evening was kicked off by Associate Professor of Critical Studies in Education from University of Auckland, Peter O’Connor whose speech I think was one of the best I’ve ever heard on education in NZ. He defended our public education system, heavily criticised the Government for their right wing ideological experiment in education and critiqued the measurement of standards as a false value when weighing up the importance of schools to their communities. I’ve asked them for a copy of his speech to post up.
The speakers were Hekia Parata (National), Jacinda Ardern (Labour), Denise Roche (Green Party), Miriam Pierard (Internet Mana) and Tracey Martin (New Zealand First).
I always forget how good Jacinda is in person. I watch her on that awful slot she does with Jamie Lee Ross and because I think her only response to his smug smarmy thick necked comments is to punch him in the face, I’m always disappointed in their encounters, but in front of an audience she has an affinity with, she reminds you what an asset she is to Labour. Jacinda got the biggest cheers of the night with a clear line on banishing Charter Schools and National Standards.
Tracey Martin is really one of the only NZ First MPs who are worth anything. She is brilliant, down to earth and critical of the Government’s approach to education. She earned the biggest laugh from claiming that there was a crisis in NZ education and it was called a third term of National. She is a reminder that NZ First could actually work alongside much of Labour and Green social policy. She was asked directly in the questions whether NZ First would go with National or Labour, her none committal answer was a reminder however that while there was much connecting them politically, if Winston gets a sweet heart deal from National, it’s Key for another 3 years no matter what Tracey has to say on the matter.
Miriam was clearly the most inexperienced and youngest member of the panel. She had the unique experience of being a teacher giving her a frontline evaluation of policy that was refreshing. Her appearance helped ease any fears from Labour or Green supporters that Internet MANA are some kind of radical devil beast who couldn’t be negotiated with.
Denise spoke. Her talents must be very behind the scenes for her to be as high as she is on the Green Party list. To one side of the room I noticed Marama Davidson standing and wondered if the Green Party membership had been as progressive as their aesthetics suggest that she would be up there inspiring us instead of Denise’s careful dulcet tones. The Greens have great policy, but very average cheerleaders.
Hekia however was the highlight. You tend to think that the portrayal of her via the media must be unfair, and that if you probe her, she can argue convincingly her Government’s right wing interpretation of education.
The genuinely interesting revelation was that she couldn’t.
Hekia used failing students damaged from the poverty her Government’s economy generates as an excuse for right wing educational experiments that are detrimental to the communities being forced to adopt it. She was as hollow as an echo on the arguments that it is poverty that is the driver for low achievement and that her free market reforms have no answer to that. She repeated her bureaucrat speak, and had nothing else to offer.
When these Ministers who have enjoyed two terms of being surrounded by yes people have to front and give their answers on a platform far more critical than the bubble world they live in, they underwhelm. I think undecideds who listen this election are not going to be convinced by National.
There are a couple of interesting political events occurring in Auckland over the next couple of days that I will attend and review, this weekend is Labour’s launch at the viaducts events centre and on Monday the Helensville debate.
It’s a real shame it wasn’t video’ed…
It was filmed. Footage will be released soon for all to see the posturing of the Minister, including her laughter inducing claims that the government had fixed novopay.
Good stuff Martyn . Thanks . Enlightening for this South Islander , many miles away from the connective tissue that is Auckland . On the subject of Jacinda Ardern punching Jamie Lee Ross ? Oh …. in my dreams . What a greasy , sleazy , Slater-esque sanctimonious freak in a suit that guy is . Is he actually a real , live human ? The problem those with the best intentions must face is that they must go to battle unarmed against the lies and exaggerations of the enemy , in this case National and its minions . He has mastered the dark art . He looks like a puppet off ‘ Thunderbirds are Go ! ‘ The one who stalks about making threats while sparks come out his arse . Someone needs to snip his strings .
I’m having an idle moment during ad breaks on Family Guy , so sorry about this x
So the big question is then – how did Hekia get to be where she is today?
Is there no one else in the NATs who can do a better job?
I think Denise Roche has dropped down the Green Party list a few notches. The Greens do lack the X factor a bit in their leadership which is why their progress is only slow and steady, rather than seeing the sharp rises and falls of other smaller parties.On the plus side, they are appearing comparatively normal and steady compared to all the other parties. I think this is working in their favour to some degree. A lot of people are aching for down-to-earth sanity. They may not like the co-leader arrangement which is a significant drag on more people voting for the Greens, but by the same token they notice the lack of infighting and stability of the present leadership.
How do you suggest an event such as this is marketed please Martyn? We have one in Manurewa coming up at the end of the month and would appreciate your comments.
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