Editorial: No winners in PPTA's rejection of student

The PPTA won't work with Kelly Kahukiwa because he is aligned with charter schools.

Kelly Kahukiwa left the navy to teach.

It was not a political decision.

But politics has interfered in his study, as he works toward becoming a teacher.

He has aligned himself with a charter school, where he works fulltime while he studies for his teaching degree part-time.

But because of this, he cannot carry out what is essentially work experience at state schools, required before he completes his degree.

The Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) has said its members will not work with employees of charter schools.

Therefore, they will not not work with Mr Kahukiwa.

Who is now limited to finding placements at other charter schools or private schools.

The political origins of charter schools are unpalatable for many - they were introduced under an agreement between the Act Party and National.

The concept of alternative education for kids outside of mainstream state schooling is also very much something that could easily drop out of a Labour education manifesto, albeit not in scenarios involving partnership deals between parties.

The PPTA is sticking to its principles - it opposed charter schools through the legislative process and is continuing that opposition.

Mr Kahukiwa teaches te reo Maori and music at Te Kura Hourua O Whangarei Terenga Paraoa.

It is widely regarded as a successful charter school, and Mr Kahukiwa sought it out after meeting pupils at the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Cassino in Italy last May, when he was with the Royal New Zealand Navy.

He was inspired by those children.

Teaching needs more men. Those that can speak te reo are even scarcer.

Teaching needs Mr Kahukiwa. What a tragedy that the mainstream sector of the industry he was inspired to join has told him "we don't want you". Because ultimately, isn't it the kids who end up missing out?