Labour Party

Auckland's eastern suburbs chalks up more teachers

11.10.2004

Auckland's eastern suburbs can chalk up more than 19 extra secondary teachers from the latest government staffing boost aimed at raising education standards in our schools, says Maungakiekie MP Mark Gosche.

He says students at secondary schools across Auckland's eastern suburbs will next year have the opportunity to benefit from an estimated extra 19.5 full-time equivalent teachers. These positions are over and above any teacher increases required to meet roll growth.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard has announced $111.3m would be spent nationally over four years for 460 more full-time secondary teacher equivalents.

Mark Gosche says the extra secondary teacher positions are part of a major shot in the arm over recent years for education in Auckland's eastern suburbs.

“The extra staff next year will be part of an estimated increase of 52 secondary teachers - above those required for roll growth – joining Auckland's eastern suburbs staffrooms since 2001.”

Mark Gosche says the government is answering the demand for more secondary teachers in subjects like maths, Te Reo and chemistry. Thousands of new bonded scholarships for student teachers, worth up to $20,000 each, were announced at the end of last week.

Also announced were several hundred new scholarships to attract early childhood teachers as part of a government commitment to get more under-fives into first-rate, accessible and affordable early childhood education.

Mark Gosche says the extra scholarships and additional secondary teachers cap further investment in education spending by government.

By the end of next year, Auckland's eastern suburbs can expect to see 89.8 more full time teacher equivalents in primary and secondary schools than in 2000 – beyond those needed for roll growth. Nationally since 2001, operational funding (excludes teacher salaries and other grants) for all schools is up over ten per cent beyond roll growth and inflation.

“This government doesn’t just talk the talk of improving education. We chalk up the chalk,” said Mark Gosche.

NB: local figures are for the Epsom, Maungakiekie, Pakuranga, and Tamaki electorates.