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Calls are growing for Education Minister Hekia Parata to step down
following the latest crisis to hit the Ministry.
The Ministry of Education Secretary, Lesley Longstone, has resigned,
barely a year into the job.
But the head of the governing body
for Kura Kaupapa Maori says Hekia should stay.
The woman on everybody's lips.
Hekia needs to continue. She shouldn't resign.
No matter what,
the chairperson of Te Runanganui o Nga Kura Kaupapa Maori
backs Education Minister Hekia Parata.
What this minister,
the first Maori woman to hold the position of Minister for Education,
is aiming to improve education for all,
not just a select few.
There's been problem after problem this year in the education sector
under the Education Minister.
Waho says it hasn't entirely been her fault.
It's not right to blame her for Christchurch,
because she has made it possible
for everyone who opposed the Minister's proposal
to have their say.
All the Kura Kaupapa Maori have submitted their thoughts,
and so has the Runanga.
Just last week Te Runanganui
and Lesley Longstone as Secretary of Education
renewed a working protocol between the two.
But will this still be upheld now that she's gone?
The contract still stands as far as I'm concerned.
The list of aims and objectives agreed to
for the Ministry and Kura Kaupapa still stands as well.
He has worries about the successor.
It would be the case of seeing who would replace her
and whether or not they would understand the depth of our cause.
But let's wait and see.
Some education experts say problems within the education sector
may get worst next year.
Anzac Pikia, Te Karere.
The PM has also given an assurance he's backing Hekia Parata,
but others are unforgiving
and believe a change in leadership is necessary
in order for the Education Ministry to win back the trust of the sector.
Hekia's time is up.
The head is incompetent,
but the problem is that the challenges set before her
were too difficult.
Why were they difficult? Because they're wrong.
To each their own.
As for what Hekia's doing,
there doesn't seem to be much consideration towards kura.
And we can't support that.
Despite my high regard for Hekia,
I don't see how she can last in that position.
She'll only attract criticism.