16 July 2002

Bullying Tactics Won't Sort Teachers' Row

Arbitration is probably the best answer to the awful mess in secondary education because it is quite clear Trevor Mallard doesn't have the will or the diplomacy to resolve it, says National's Education spokesman Nick Smith.

"Education has already suffered enormous harm from Mr Mallard's bullying style so getting this matter out of his hands is the obvious way forward.

"It is unbelievable that on the threshold of a solution, the Minister chooses to take a swipe at the PPTA executive in saying they should stand down. If anyone should go in this disgraceful saga, it should be Trevor Mallard.

"The teachers' pay dispute is only part of the crisis in secondary education. The Government has made a mess of implementing the NCEA and 57,000 young New Zealanders risk getting no meaningful school qualification this year.

"The next level of the NCEA at Year 12 must be put off or the problems in secondary schools will only get worse," says Dr Smith.

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