South Auckland principal decries government funding cuts

A New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI) representative says he is concerned about proposed government cuts in funding to Pacific programs.

Karl Vasau, who is also the principal of the Rowandale primary school, says Pacific children are overrepresented in inequity data.

"It's important for us to have the right support, the right people in place at the ministry supporting schools to make a difference.

"It's always important for us to seek support or advice from a ministry that has people on board in their ranks that are specifically targeting Pasifika children, Pasifika families, Pasifika staff."

Photo/Supplied

Earlier in the year it was announced that the Ministry for Pacific Peoples was to cut down staffing by 40 per cent, while the Ministry of Education has proposed cutting a total of 755 positions, of which 316 are currently vacant, to meet government cost-cutting targets.

Vasau says the impact of the proposed cuts could be concerning for Pacific students, saying the Ministry of Education need a "designated arm focusing on raising achievement and outcomes for Pasifika".

And despite assurances the staffing reductions wouldn't affect frontline services for schools, Vasau argues it will impact "another line of workers that do the day-to-day stuff".

"The proof will be there when we do put up our hand or reach up for assistance about certain programs.

"What we don't want to see are people being cut from their jobs from the ministry that leads [to] specific programs that are proven to support Pasifika achievement and Pacific families and communities.

"And so that's something that I'm definitely going to be watching closely."

Watch the full interview via 531pi's Facebook below: