New Zealand First congratulates the membership of the New Zealand Educational Institute for their courage in standing up against the Government's 'winners and losers” education changes.

'The government's chief education policy, Investing in Education Success, has scored a zero with primary school teachers and principals,” says NZ First education spokesperson Tracey Martin.

"They have voted overwhelmingly to reject it.

'From the outset New Zealand First has spoken out against throwing hundreds of millions of dollars at a few ‘lead' teachers in the vain hope of improving education for our children. The plan is designed to divide and fail.

'Minister of Education Hekia Parata has manipulated the word ‘consultation' to the point where it has no meaning and, quite rightly, the NZEI has had enough.

'Being in the room, having your say and then being completely ignored is not consultation.

'New Zealand First looks forward to working with education interests after the election in a way that will benefit New Zealand's future – our children.

'New Zealand First is promoting a 30-year vision for education where politicians step out of the classroom and we return to the high trust model our children deserve.”

Source: Office of Tracey Martin