Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Playing hooky to hikoi unacceptable - English
Hon Bill English MP
National Party Education Spokesman
28 April 2004
Playing hooky to hikoi unacceptable - English
"It is unacceptable that parents are excusing their children from school to take part in seabed and foreshore protests," says National Party Education spokesman Bill English.
"They're playing hooky to hikoi - they're supposed to be in school.
"The Education Minister should be asking who is looking out for these students and why they weren't at school yesterday.
"The parents of these children should be taking a far more responsible approach to education.
"This blatant disregard for the law comes off the back of damning statistics that show the number of children playing truant jumped 35% last year," says Mr English.
Ministry of Education statistics show the number of cases being investigated by truancy officers jumped to 26, 082 last year, up from 19, 676 in 2002.
"Every possible tool must be used to ensure our children attend school.
"There is a tolerance of truancy culture in New Zealand that must be confronted.
"The Government needs to show some leadership and stop cringing about the firm measures needed to combat this problem," says Mr English.
Ends
Gordon Campbell: On Why We Can’t Survive Two More Years Of This
SPCA: Survey Shows Government Lacks Mandate To Repeal Live Export Ban
Peace Action Ōtautahi: Bridge Of Remembrance Peace Protest
National Wetland Trust: Public Asked To Help Prevent Fires In Wetlands This Summer
Lillian Hanly, RNZ: The Year In Politics - Stories That Dominated The Headlines In 2024
Waikato Regional Council: Studies Open Door To Mercury Islands Underwater World
Office of the Privacy Commissioner: Christmas Is About Giving, But Don’t Give Up Your Privacy
