ACT Leader and Epsom MP David Seymour has hosted the biggest and most robust debate on the Government’s radical education reforms since they were proposed.
"I'm thoroughly pleased that between 400 and 500 local parents and principals were able to hear from high-quality speakers on this issue", says Mr Seymour.
"This was the first time that the authors of the proposed reforms and their critics were able to debate the proposed changes in an open forum.
The meeting featured Bali Haque and Dr Cathy Wylie, two of the main authors of the Tomorrow's Schools Report, and Professor Gary Hawke and Hon Richard Prebble who were both involved in the introduction of Tomorrow's Schools 30 years ago.
"The Tomorrow’s Schools Independent Taskforce has put forward substantial proposals which are larger than any since the original reforms of 1989. The proposals put in jeopardy each community’s ability to govern their local schools. People are rightly concerned.
"New Zealanders need opportunities like this one to be informed, make up their minds, and submit their views to the Taskforce."