The NZCTU strongly opposes this Bill. It gives the Minister of Education the power to unilaterally make changes to the curriculum, and how it is taught. It also moves many of the professional functions of the Teaching Council to the Ministry of Education, which will further increase the influence of the Minister. Together, these changes constitute an unacceptable politicisation of the education system and an unacceptable diminishment of the professional autonomy of teachers. This is not in the interests of students, teachers, or wider New Zealand society.
