Schools are built on strong leadership and good quality teachers working in a progressive environment, the PPTA is reactionary and protectionist, their leadership needs to recognise that their view is not the one true path.
In life, there are many ways to reach the same objective, denying that really shows the stamp of rigid ignorance.
Healthy competition and quality alternatives will benefit the most important stakeholder: the pupils.
Ross McKenzie(via website)
Have your say
I wholeheartedly agree with Jeremy Busck (letters, Nov 19) when he writes about apathy.
In a short time, we will have a referendum on asset sales and it is up to everyone to vote on this disturbing issue. Imagine the Government coming into your homes and selling off your television or Playstation and a portion of your model aeroplane collection.
This is exactly what is happening with the selling of shares in our power stations and Air New Zealand fleet.
We as New Zealanders already own the assets the Government is selling. If you want to stop this, you must vote in the referendum.
We are living in a dictatorship with John Key cuddling up to leaders of other dictatorship countries.
This Government has its own agenda and maybe will reduce debt by 2014, but at what cost?
Are you the one who throws the unopened voting papers into the bin at the Postbox Centre?
Are you the family who are living in poverty with no housing who are an ordinary New Zealander expected to fork out a $1000 for shares to buy something you already own and are too lazy to vote?
Are you a Maori who whinges that you never have a say or are consulted and cannot even be bothered to vote for change?
Are you the person who decides that there is no use voting because nothing is going to change anyway?
Are you the person who sits back and allows foreign companies to come in and dig up our conservation and national park beauty, for money? Once it is spoilt, it is spoilt forever.
That is what happened to 80,000 lazy, apathetic people in the last election. Yes, Jeremy Busck, I agree with you.
What an apathetic lot we are, living in what could be the best country in the world.Marie KaireNgararatunua, Whangarei
No seclusion
I am writing in response to an article in the Northern Advocate, general news, page 7 on Monday, November 18, 2013.
The article was a piece regarding seclusion rates and culturally appropriate care for Maori with mental health and addiction issues.
As the CEO of the non-government organisation, Recovery Solutions, which was mentioned in this article, I felt it important to clarify our position regarding the use of seclusion.
Recovery Solutions does not now, nor has it ever, utilised seclusion in any of the services we provide.
All of our staff are trained in de-escalation techniques that are utilised minimally and always in an appropriate and respectful manner.
At Recovery Solutions, our mission is to empower our clients to reach their full recovery potential by providing the relevant support, skills, knowledge, tools and opportunities.
Our staff are committed, passionate and skilled, and work with people on an equal basis, without discrimination or judgment.
We are driven by the principle of providing people affected by mental health issues with the opportunity to lead a regular life in the community.
As a consequence, Recovery Solutions has always had a strong focus on providing in-community care for clients with complex and high mental health needs.Derek WrightCEO, Recovery Solutions
