Figure 1.--.
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Figure 1.--. |
The New Zealand Independent Schools Association (ISA) in the runup to the November 1990 election asked the two major parties to provide a statement of interest to readers. Statements have been received from the Phil Goff, Minister of Education, and Dr Lockwood Smith, National Spokesman on Education. The two statements should be read against a background of activity of each party in respect of independ-ent education and with some knowledge of the broad approach of each.
The ISA maintained that that the Labour Government since it took office in 1984 steadily eroded the position of independent schools. In that time the former contribution of 50% to teaching salaries has been eliminated entirely. This has been in spite of the compelIing equity argument that parents of independent school pupils are, in effect, paying for their education twice; once as taxpayers and then in direct school fees. There is also the economic argument that support for independent schools actually saves the Government money by reducing the cost to the taxpayer for the education of those in the private sector.
The income tax exemption for school fees has been done away with. Parents have been further taxed by the imposition of G.S.T. on school fees paid. Additional costs in terms of fringe benefit tax and similar impositions have had to be met by independent schools.
Within the overall restructuring of education the independent sector has been barely recognised and its voice and views have been largely ignored. This is in spite of inferences that Tomorrow's Schools to an extent are modelled on the strengths evident in private sector educa-tion. In fact, there is a curious irony that a Government so wedded to market forces, open competition and level playing fields, should set out so deliberately and systemati-cally to emasculate the competition for its own system. On the positive side, however, there has been the introduction of teacher registration which has opened the way or movement of teaching staff between the State sector and the independent sector. Previously this was an impediment to attracting young career-minded staff into independent schools.
The ISA invited the Minister and other representatives of Government to the
Annual conference in Wanganui in May 1990. No-one from Government attended.
Dr Lockwood Smith spent the best part of a day at the Conference and, by contrast, has been most accessi-ble to Association officers. The thrust of his party's policy is based on a Recognition of freedom of choice in education and a commitment to independent schools playing a significant and positive part in education in New Zealand. Those attending the Conference were impressed by the message of positive support and encouragement reflected not only in the restoration of a fair contribution to the private sector, but also in general attitudes and outlook. This positive atmosphere is probably the most important difference between the approach of the two parties. The one positive and seeking to find ways to support, encourage and expand; the other negative and demonstrating only rejection and discouragement.
The ISA felt sure that supporters of the very fine schools operating in the private sector as well as those committed to the principle of freedom of choice will read the two statements carefully and reflect the approach they prefer on polling day.
