Second-rate education unacceptable
Our children are the youngest members of our community and our future.
Sunday is Children's Day, where our young are celebrated, nurtured and treasured. I hope all parents, teachers and friends ensure this happens everyday.
We all know the best tool we can give to our children is a first class education.
I suspect many parents believe their kids are receiving a great education, delivered by great teachers, but it seems some of our second year teachers are not up to scratch.
The Education Review Office has raised serious concerns about the standard of second year teachers. A report from ERO shows 48% of second year secondary school teachers, and 35% of second year primary school teachers are not fully competent for the job.
National's Education spokesperson, Bill English, says a report on this issue from the Teaches Council says they cannot guarantee that all teacher-training programmes are producing well-prepared new teachers. Mr English says the Minister of Education, Trevor Mallard, asked for the report to be kept under wraps.
When the issue of the standard of teaching was initially raised, the Minister said he would fix the problem, and yet now it is believed he is trying to cover up a report on the issue.
Our children deserve to have teachers who meet the basic standards, and an Education Minister who is truly concerned about their education.
Funding is also a problem. Parents have to dig deep into their pockets and donate their time to fundraising activities to supplement school funding.
For 22 primary and secondary schools in the Auckland region, the Auckland community raised 9.8 million dollars in 2002, and last year 10 million dollars was contributed through fundraising.
As well as the contribution from fundraising, foreign students are also keeping our schools going. Last year, they pumped $2.2 billion dollars into the economy, and several schools in Auckland benefited by over one million dollars in fees.
However, there has been drop of 50% in the number of student visas that have been issued, which places this type of funding in jeopardy. This drop can be attributed to the lack of robust follow up by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority in monitoring of this sector, and the subsequent effects of that, including closure of some institutes.
Children deserve to have a secure environment in schools with adequate funding, where they can learn from teachers who are fully competent, and they have access to the resources they need.
I hope you enjoy spending Children's day with your family.
Celebrating the many cultures of Auckland
Daylight saving heralds the beginning of warmer weather and longer days, as does the number of festivals that take place at this time.
Auckland is very busy in the next few weeks with two festivals taking place that celebrate the different communities that make up our vibrant city.
On Sunday, there is the Diwali Festival at the Auckland town hall - this is the Indian festival of lights. There will be Bollywood dancing, fantastic food and a whole day's worth of events to take the family along to.
On November the 6th, the South African community is celebrating 10 years of democracy at a daylong event at the Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga.
In the lead up to the local body elections, our young voters said they want to see more cultural festivals, as they believe they bring the community together.
Auckland City has such a varied population that celebrating our diversity in a festive atmosphere will create a sense of belonging.
I look forward to seeing you at both of those events.
Places to meet, eat and treat
Exotic aromas will fill the air at Auckland City's Diwali celebrations this Sunday so you might appreciate a spicy tip on where to indulge in your next 'post-festival' curry.
Satya South Indian Cafe, can be found on an unremarkable section of Hobson Street. Its appearance may not capture your immediate attention but it is a veritable shrine to South Indian cuisine in Auckland. The ambience is somewhat humble but the tantalizing dishes exude a 'fresh heat' and are always interesting and surprising. The owner, Swamy Akuthota, takes great delight in explaining the dishes that his wife Padma prepares in the kitchen - they make you feel just like a guest in their home!
Sshh, this place is still one of Auckland's best kept secrets.
Satya South Indian Restaurant & Cafe 158 A Hobson Street, Auckland Central, (09) 377 0007
