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Treasury’s briefing to the incoming minister is a neo-liberal prescription for more social inequality, says the PSA.

 

Treasury’s call ...

The Forum will be held at the Fale Pasifika, The University of Auckland on Tuesday 17th April from 9.00am – 5.00pm.

The rules provide for one member from each branch to be funded nationally. We are aware that a number of branches may not yet be able to identify a Pacific member to attend and we expect that there will be more than one member from a few of the branches who will be keen to participate, so we are taking this into account in the planning. Branches of course are able to fund participants themselves – and are indeed encouraged to do so.

2012 National Biennial Pacific Forum Registration form

• Name*FirstLast(as per ID, passport, etc. for travel bookings)
• Institution/Place of work*Aoraki PolytechnicAuckland Institute of Studies (AIS)Auckland University of TechnologyBay of Plenty PolytechnicChristchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT)Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)Lincoln UniversityManukau Institute of Technology (MIT)Massey UniversityNelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)New Zealand Council of Educational ResearchNorthTecOtago PolytechnicSouthern Institute of Technology (SIT)Tai Poutini PolytechnicTe Tari Puna Ora NZCATe W?nanga o AotearoaTe Whare W?nanga Awanui?rangiThe Open Polytechnic of New ZealandUnitec New ZealandUniversal College of Learning (UCOL)University of AucklandUniversity of CanterburyUniversity of OtagoUniveristy of WaikatoVictoria University of WellingtonWai?riki Institute of TechnologyWaikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)Wellington Institute of Technology (Weltec)Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)Whitireia Community PolytechnicOther
• Email*
• Work phone*
• Mobile phone*
• Do you have special food requirements *
  • Yes
  • No
• If yes, please advise what e.g. vegetarian, no dairy, etc?
• Accomodation(for members outside Auckland only e.g. Christchurch, Dunedin)
  * cost covered by the TEU
• Please book me accommodation on MONDAY 16 APRIL if there is not a flight getting to Auckland in time for the Forum*
  • Yes
  • No
• Please book me accommodation on TUESDAY 17 APRIL if there is not a flight getting me home before 8.00pm*
  • Yes
  • No
• TravelTEU will accommodate requests from members, as far as possible, wishing to travel prior to Forum or stay after on the basis of the lowest economy fare [see travel policy below]
  * cost covered by the TEU
• Arrival
• Travel from*(Please state the town/city name)
• Travel to*
• Arrival date*
• Arrival time* : HHMMAMPMArrive before 8.30am (If this is flexible please state what time you need to be where)
• Departure
• Depart from*
• Travel to*
• Departure date*
• Departure time* : HHMMAMPM
• Important

  Enquiries to: suzanne.mcnabb@teu.ac.nz or lee.cooper@teu.ac.nz or 0800 278-348

  To minimise travel costs please promptly complete this form by 5 March

• CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

// TEU Travel Policy

This policy applies to all members of the Tertiary Education Union and may be changed from time to time. This policy is current from March 2011.

1)         Introduction

TEU travel policy is based on the following principles:

• Travel to and from meetings, Conference etc. of the union is part of the democratic processes of the TEU
• It is recognised that members give of their own time and commitment when travelling for TEU
• All travel, accommodation and meals are paid for by members’ subscriptions and therefore these costs need to be approached responsibly
• TEU has a commitment to using the most economical travel and accommodation arrangements as possible balanced with an understanding of members’ needs and a level of convenience to individual members.

2)         Air Travel

Standard travel bookings at the lowest economy class will be made to arrive on the day of the meeting in time for the start of the meeting and will depart after the finish of the meeting.

Fully flexible fares which are charged at a premium price will not normally be used and need prior approval from the National Secretary.

Where hardship or difficulties would be caused by unsuitable departure and/or arrival times e.g. hazardous early morning travel in winter; availability of childcare; alternative arrangements will be considered. These arrangements, which may include overnight stay before the meeting, need the prior approval of the National Secretary.

Where members wish to travel prior to a meeting or stay after a meeting for personal reasons, TEU will accommodate these requests as far as possible on the basis of the lowest economy fare. Members will be responsible for all additional costs associated with such stays, including travel to and from private accommodation to the meeting.

Travel for scheduled TEU national meetings set at the beginning of the year e.g. Council, Sector Groups, Te Toi Ahurangi, National Women’s Committee and Conference will be booked at least four weeks before the meeting. Standard bookings will be made unless members advise the administrator to the contrary. This is to ensure that the lowest possible economy fares can be purchased.

The administrator will send a reminder email to all those travelling at least five weeks prior to the meeting.

Flights other than for scheduled meetings and Conference must be approved by the National Secretary before any bookings are made.

Where Branches are sending observers to meetings, Conference etc National Office will book travel for these observers on request and charge the relevant branch.

If for exceptional reasons members make their own booking, the same principles of lowest economy fares purchased at least four weeks prior to the meeting must apply. Fully flexible bookings require the approval of the National Secretary. A copy of the receipt/itinerary must be sent to the administrator at National Office as soon as possible.

3)         Changes to bookings

Changes to bookings incur significant additional costs including a fee for the change (usually $50.00 minimum) as well as the cost of an upgraded fare in many cases.

As a rule, all changes made after the booking has been made will be a personal cost payable by the member.

Members will be required to provide a credit card number prior to any changes being made.

In an emergency or exceptional circumstance, members must seek approval for changes from the National Secretary who may approve the costs to be paid by TEU.

Where changes are necessitated by TEU (e.g. a changed meeting time or a cancellation) or imposed by circumstances beyond the individual traveller’s control (e.g., weather) TEU will meet any additional costs involved.

4)         Travel by train, car etc.

Where travel by air is not applicable, the same principles of lowest economy fares should apply.

Travel from Hamilton to Auckland, Palmerston North to Wellington and return will not normally be by air.

Travel may include train or private vehicle. Where a private vehicle is to be used, prior approval must be sought. Where two or more people are travelling by private vehicle to the same meeting, they should travel in the one vehicle.

All mileage must be recorded and claimed on the appropriate form. Reimbursement will be at the rate of 62 cents per kilometre.

5)         Taxis, Shuttles to and from home/airport

The use of shuttles and/or shuttle bus is the preferred means of travel to and from airports. This will keep costs to a minimum.

In most instances, the administrator will organise shuttles and/or taxis between the airport and the meeting. Travel should be shared wherever possible and may include waiting a short while for members on another flight. When a shuttle/taxi has been booked, particularly for a group, unless there is an emergency, members may not order separate taxis. Members will arrange taxis and/or shuttles between their home and their home airport.

Where shuttles/taxis are not pre-booked, taxi vouchers will be provided. Please note that you should use the recommended providers to avoid extra charges.

In some cases, it may be more convenient as well as economical to use a private vehicle to get to and from the airport. In this case, TEU will pay airport parking charges. The administrator should be advised before any shuttle bookings are made. GST receipts should be submitted on the appropriate form.

6)         Alternative travel

Members travelling on TEU business who wish to use an alternative method of travel for personal reasons will be asked to make their own arrangements. Costs will be expected to be no more than the equivalent net cost of return economy air travel.  If necessary an advance will be made for such travel. If the planned travel does not take place, then any advance will be required to be repaid to TEU.

7)         Accommodation

TEU National Office regularly seeks deals and specials for accommodation some of which include continental breakfast, to keep the budget to a minimum.

TEU National Office will therefore book accommodation for members coming to national meetings when an overnight stay is required, based on the deals and specials that are available.

Any special requests for accommodation should be made three weeks before the meeting and will be considered by the National Secretary. However, approval may depend on costs.

If members do not require accommodation they should notify the administrator when requesting travel. If for any reason, booked accommodation is no longer required, members should notify the administrator at least 24 hours before in order to avoid being charged for such accommodation.

TEU will pay for the room and continental breakfast. Where an evening meal is not otherwise provided, members are entitled to a reimbursement of up to $40.00 on production of GST receipts.

Morning, afternoon tea and lunches are almost always provided at meetings.

Members are responsible for all minibar, alcohol, phone, internet and other miscellaneous charges. One personal phone call may be made while away overnight on TEU business. All charges must be paid for when checking out of the accommodation. Any variation to this needs prior approval of the National Secretary.

Where Branches are sending observers to meetings, Conference etc National Office will book accommodation for observers also and charge the relevant branch.

8)         Staying Privately

Where accommodation is required for a meeting, members may choose to stay privately. In this case, a staying privately reimbursement of $50.00 may be claimed. This also covers travel to and from private accommodation.

Where an evening meal is not otherwise provided, members are entitled to a reimbursement of up to $40.00 on production of GST receipts.

9)         Travel Insurance

TEU has a travel insurance policy covering persons travelling on TEU business within New Zealand, which requires a detailed schedule to be forwarded to the insurance company on a regular basis.  This schedule is completed by National Office for bookings made by National Office.

Travel insurance covers only the period of the meeting and cannot be extended to additional stays for personal reasons.

In a case where members make their own arrangements, the administrator must be notified to add details to the schedule and ensure that travel cover will apply.

10)      Claims

Any delegate who incurs reasonable expenses while on TEU business can expect TEU to meet those expenses.

Claims can include any additional child care expenses necessitated by travel to meetings.

Claims must be made on the appropriate TEU Expense Claim Form and submitted to the Finance Officer as soon as possible after the meeting. Visa and other receipts with GST numbers must be provided before any reimbursements will be made.

11)      Traveller Profile

When members first make a travel request, they will be asked to complete a traveller profile with contact details, seating preferences etc. It is members’ responsibility to provide updates as needed.

12)      Special Note

Any special requests outside of the above provisions may be considered. However, members must seek prior approval from the National Secretary. (The administrator is unable to approve such requests).

The administrator is currently Sue Wang sue.wang@teu.ac.nz

The finance officer is currently Trina Coombes

 

Policy authorised by Council 04 March 2011

Sharn Riggs

NATIONAL SECRETARY

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says education should not be used as a cash cow and the government would be mad to accept Treasury's latest advice.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa is calling on the new Education Minister to guarantee the Government's decision to establish official league tables of secondary schools will not be extended to primary schools.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says the government is stacking the charter school deck while keeping the public in the dark about how charter schools will work in New Zealand and how they will actually make a difference to student achievement.

With the new school year about to begin, the education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa is repeating its call for the government to move to protect centralised 'National Standards' information from being drawn up into damaging league tables.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa is calling on the government to act urgently to help support families and struggling early childhood services in quake-affected areas of Christchurch.

The education sector union says the government should take note of an Australian study which proves qualified teachers play a critical role in providing quality early childhood education.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says contrary to claims by the Education Minister, principals in south Auckland have no appetite for charter schools.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa is disappointed by comments from the new Education Minister which show the government is rushing full speed ahead with charter schools.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa is urging the government to come clean about its agenda for education and any plans it may have to change the way school principals are hired.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa is hoping there will be opportunities to forge a strong and constructive working relationship with the new Education Minister.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says the government should not be allowed to push any legislation on charter schools through parliament, without a proper select committee process.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says the government has used the ACT Party as a Trojan horse in introducing charter schools to New Zealand.

Thousands of kindergarten teachers will be attending paid union meetings over the next week to vote on whether to accept a final pay offer or take industrial action. Negotiations have been going on for much of the year.

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says Moerewa School in Northland is at the sharp end of the government's punitive approach to National Standards.

The education sector union NZEI TE Riu Roa says the parents of special needs students should be concerned that schools will now be required to report their childrenâ??s achievement against "National Standards".

TEU national president Dr Sandra Grey says Treasury’s advice about tertiary education is misplaced and simplistic.

“There is no evidence that shifting funding to favour younger students getting degrees will have any impact on the economy at all. In fact Treasury’s focus on degrees at the expense of other qualifications will take away opportunities from some New Zealand families who most need education to lift themselves up and contribute to New Zealand’s economy.”

Dr Grey was responding to Treasury’s advice to government ministers, which was released today.

“Treasury thinks it can pick winners and invest only in them. This denies opportunities to all other ordinary New Zealanders,” said Dr Grey.

Dr Grey says Treasury’s desire to shift research funding to favour research that private firms ask for is effectively an attempt to privatise our public research institutions.

“We should not research things only because a private firm thinks it can make a profit. Often there is a crucial need for research that is not solely in the interests of private companies.

“If Treasury wants a vibrant growing economy and communities, it needs to invest equitably in all types of education and research,” said Dr Grey.

For more information:

Sandra Grey, TEU national president, 021 844 176 or 04 801 5098

Stephen Day, TEU communications officer, 021 2900 734 or 04 801 4792

http://www.teu.ac.nz

Tertiary Update Vol 15 No 1

At least nine New Zealanders have joined a global boycott of Elsevier, the world’s largest scientific journal publisher. The protest has rapidly gained momentum since it began as an irate blog post at the end of January. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education by Tuesday evening, about 2,400 scholars had put their names to an online pledge not to publish or do any editorial work for the company’s journals, including refereeing papers. Protesters accuse Elsevier of charging too much and supporting laws that will keep research findings bottled up behind a company pay-wall.

Employees of the universities of Auckland, Lincoln and Otago have signed the pledge as well as one staff member at NIWA.

Brett S. Abrahams, an assistant professor of genetics at the USA’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine, told the Chronicle, “The government pays me and other scientists to produce work, and we give it away to private entities. Then they charge us to read it.” Mr Abrahams signed the pledge on Tuesday after reading about it on Facebook.

According to the boycotters, Elsevier, which publishes over 2,000 journals including the prestigious Cell and The Lancet, is abusing academic researchers in three areas. First there are the prices. Then the company bundles subscriptions to lesser journals together with valuable ones, forcing libraries to spend money buying things they do not want in order to get a few things they do want. And, most recently, Elsevier has supported a proposed US law that could prevent agencies like the US National Institutes of Health from making all articles written by grant recipients freely available.

However Elsevier rejects the complaints saying, globally, the amount of research that is published is going up every year but library budgets are not keeping pace.

Also in Tertiary Update this week:

1. WITT gains from PTE closure
2. TEU negotiates improved Canterbury timetable
3. University of Auckland pushes Teach First
4. Student loan debtors escape on OE

Other news

Wintec settled a collective agreement with its academic staff late last year. NorthTec is now the only one of the old ITP MECA polytechnics not to settle a collective agreement with its staff. NorthTec wants an employment agreement which allows it to direct staff to work any days, evenings and weekends. Tutors have not had a pay increase since November 2008.

“The government should be focusing on creating jobs and getting money into the pockets of low and middle income people by stimulating the economy rather than an inflexible deficit target,” says CTU Economist Bill Rosenberg. “We have had over 150,000 unemployed and 250,000 jobless almost constantly now since mid 2009. The unemployment rate at 6.6 percent is barely below its financial crisis peak in December 2009.” – CTU

Lower Hutt is in danger of losing its last provider of adult community night classes. Hutt City Workers’ Education Association (WEA) president Maurice Payes confirms a funding squeeze has forced the group to lay off its two part-time workers, who are owed wages. Four Lower Hutt colleges abandoned running adult community courses in 2010 when the National Government cut $13 million out of the $16m annual Adult Community Education (ACE) budget. That left the WEA as the last provider – Hutt News

United States President Obama brought his campaign for college affordability to an audience of Michigan college students last week, pledging that his administration would be “putting colleges on notice” over rising costs and issuing a call for continued public support for higher education by states so that the USA does not become a nation where education is reserved for the well-to-do – Chronicle of Higher Education 

Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki (WITT) is hoping to capitalise on the abrupt closure of the Practical Education Institute (PEI), a New Plymouth-based private training establishment.

The Taranaki Daily Newsreports that student enrolments at WITT are up by 50 percent compared to this time last year and chief executive Richard Handley is attributing PEI’s demise to part of that increase.

PEI announced its closure last month after it failed to secure significant funding from the Tertiary Education Commission because of its below par course completion rates.

Mr Handley told the Daily News that there would be would be teaching jobs at WITT available for many of the staff at PEI who lost their jobs last month.

“PEI staff are now being identified by WITT as internal staff when they apply for jobs so there is more opportunity for them to be employed.”

He said many teaching jobs were only advertised internally if there were skills within WITT to cover the position and under the changes that would include former PEI staff.

“We have advertised seven jobs externally and extended the application closure date to allow PEI staff time to apply and we also have about five internal jobs they will be able to apply for.”

Mr Handley said he welcomed all interest from PEI staff and students and where appropriate PEI staff were encouraging their students to enrol with WITT.

TEU national secretary Sharn Riggs said there were real benefits for ex-PEI teachers who found jobs at WITT, because they would now have the choice of belonging to a union that offered a collective agreement that protected working conditions and pay.

“Those staff have been through a lot but now, hopefully, with the chance to belong to a strong national union they will have greater job security and protection.”

She also applauded WITT’s CEO on his decision to treat these staff as internal applicants.