Education Minister Jan Tinetti Image: labour.org.nz
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">On Tuesday last week, new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced Jan Tinetti would take over the Education portfolio as part of his cabinet reshuffle. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h2>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Kelvin Davis becomes the Associate Minister of Education for Māori, and Jo Luxton becomes the Under-Secretary of Education. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Tinetti, who had previously worked in education for 20 years, had been the Associate Education Minister. Of his decision, Hipkins said “Jan Tinetti is uniquely placed to address the post-Covid challenges our education system has faced and to get our kids back into the classroom and learning.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<p><span data-contrast="auto"> Tinetti said “I’m so excited to have this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I’m hitting the ground running. I don’t want to sit back and wait for things to happen.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Tinetti cited learning support as one of the top priorities in education, saying “We have to make sure education is equitable for all. I see that as a really big issue.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Tinetti has been warmly welcomed by the education community, with NZEI Te Riu Roa President Mark Potter saying she “knows only too well the issues that are facing our educators”. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Potter expressed hope that Tinetti would listen to educators’ recent concerns, noting there are “policy directions needed to achieve the significant shift in funding and thinking&#8230; to ensure that tamariki receive the education they deserve.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">NZEI Te Riu Roa also nodded to Luxton’s appointment, stating that her experience as a former ECE owner meant she brought valuable experience to the role. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Leanne Otene, President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation was similarly hopeful about the cabinet changes, saying she was “delighted” with Tinetti’s appointment. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Both [Tinetti and Davis] are ex-principals&#8230; I’ve got quite a lot of faith and confidence that going forward, we will really see some changes and a more equitable education,” said Otene. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Tinetti picks up the portfolio at a time when the majority of educators are negotiating their collective agreements with the government, and facing challenges with disrupted learning and resourcing. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>

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