Labour promises free iPads

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Free iPads and laptops is what Labour leader David Cunliffe is promising to Merivale School pupils if the party is elected on September 20.

The party leader made the pledge to the decile one school's senior pupils during a day-long visit to Tauranga yesterday where he opened the school's new $64,000 playground.

Labour leader David Cunliffe visited Merivale School yesterday. Photos: Zoe Hunter

The policy will see every pupil from Year 5 provided with an iPad, along with free WiFi both at home and in schools.

'It's wonderful to see a school like this providing such great support to you, your community and your parents,” David told Merivale School pupils.

'In Labour, we believe that every kid is special and every kid matters and we want to make sure that every school is a fantastic school where you can get the best education.

'We're backing you and your mums and dads to make sure you have the best start.”

Labour's education policy is to ensure all schools are able to equip pupils for the future and that every child can benefit from a 21st Century education.

To do this, the party is promising to put in place a programme that provides an affordable option for all Year 5-13 students nationwide to have access to portable digital devices.

The party will commit $25million to provide teachers with professional development during school years from 2016-2017 to assist them to make the most effective use of digital devices in teaching.

Labour candidate for Tauranga, Rachel Jones, says it's a long term plan for New Zealand to make sure students' skill level increases and children are not left behind in education.

'Those who can't afford to buy digital devices and are falling behind in terms of the skills that they're acquiring has consequences when it comes to job seeking.

'We're trying to close the gap between rich and poor by making these things universal. And upskill our students coming through so we've got a higher skilled workforce and moving to a more high-tech workforce as well.”

The opposition party leader's visit proved even more memorable for the children when he officially opened the school's newest playground, designed by the pupils themselves.

Principal Jan Tinetti says the $64,000 playground is funded by Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust, Lion Foundation and Community Trust.

Jan says the playground replaces the previous one which became 'beyond repair” and had to be knocked down.

'The kids have been desperate to get one since and they've actually designed this. They've worked with the Playground Centre to actually design this.

'They've been looking at several of them so this is exactly what they wanted it to be. It's physically challenging for them, it gives them something that they can really focus on at playtimes and lunchtimes.”

What do you think about Labour's policy? Comment here.

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15 comments

not voting

Posted on 19-08-2014 12:29 | By gail_c40

What is wrong with all the other schools and kids, just because it is a low decile school there are other children in schools that can not aford to have ipads or laptops that would love to work with computers etc,b this seems more like a black mail call you vote we will give guess who i wont be voting for


no thought!!

Posted on 19-08-2014 14:06 | By jed

Cunliffe does not even know if ipads improve education. My opinion is that they do not . This is a bribe.


Are you serious?

Posted on 19-08-2014 14:18 | By wannabeme

Why does this school seem to always be the school that gets all the attention. What about all the other schools in this town. Hes offering them free Ipads? Oh hello Ill bet they have the best technology at home and I know thaey have multi million dollar it infrastructure at that school now along with a $64000.00 playground. My sons school on the other side of town the PTA has to work their butts off to provide something not even close to that! I am reconsidering my vote now.


disgusting behaviour

Posted on 19-08-2014 14:25 | By The Tomahawk Kid

Disgusting - I am appalled at this. Stooping so low as to bribe you children, held captive in the states brainwashing centre. The term "child-mol;esters of the mind" springs to the fore! Gutter tactics from an immoral, unprincipled . . . I will stop there before the rest of what I have to say makes this post un printable.


Promisespromises

Posted on 19-08-2014 14:29 | By sojourner

You asked: I find this a pathetic kind of manipulation to try and get parents to vote. Really? Are people that dumb? I'd give adults more credit for their intelligence than Labour does, apparently.


Policy for all

Posted on 19-08-2014 15:07 | By Reflecting

@ gail_c40 this policy is for ALL schools with children in Year 5 and above no matter what decile so everyone will benefit.


just a vote grabber

Posted on 19-08-2014 15:37 | By rotovend

Its seems highlighting the Decile level of the school is a community divider, loads of parents cant afford Ipads and nothing is free its paid for by tax-payers so what about everybody else that wont have them


playground

Posted on 19-08-2014 15:46 | By rotovend

the playground is the real story, how amazing the kids designed it


Who Pays ???

Posted on 19-08-2014 15:52 | By xenasdad

I can't afford an iPad for myself, why should my taxes pay for one for someone else? What about the MONTHLY fees for each ISP connection? Pure election "Pie in the sky" BS !!!


Pay

Posted on 19-08-2014 15:55 | By maccachic

Pay for your own kids or don't have them. They are not free they are paid for by hardworking taxpayers.


New world politics

Posted on 19-08-2014 18:10 | By Johnney

Supermarket New World target kids, McDonalds target kids, now Labour target kids. Hey kids tell your parents to vote Labour and get a free I-pad. How much lower can they stoop!!!!


FREE !!!!

Posted on 19-08-2014 22:53 | By The Caveman

NOTHING IS FREE - somebody will be paying - the taxpayer !


Free?

Posted on 21-08-2014 08:43 | By Captain Sensible

Free iPads eh? So is Apple going to give them for free or are taxpayers going to buy them from Apple? Surely NZ voters can see past that false promise.


Storm in a teacup

Posted on 23-08-2014 09:29 | By Baystyle

I can't imagine a big change in voting due to a few ipads. Like a free sausage sizzle at a business launch. You enjoy the grub then decide for yourself weather to support them or not. My Key is giving teachers big bonuses! Election time is like a birthday. Enjoy the gifts but vote for a good future.


jmac

Posted on 26-08-2014 15:49 | By JohnMac

ipads are not the greatest asset in all cases. Our boy has an ipad as a school resource and while it is OK it requires constant monitoring to ensure proper use, and he is a very self disciplined 12 year old. This is just another vote for me and see what I will give you as a reward ploy. Still better than what the Dot Con crew are offering.


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