Ex-teacher relishes new education duties

David Benson-Pope

Rising Labour Party star David Benson-Pope says he is relishing the chance to be involved in the key area of education.

The 54-year-old former teacher yesterday became the Associate Minister for Education and the Minister Responsible for the Education Review Office.

The promotion comes just nine months after first entering the Cabinet, following Lianne Dalziel's sacking, and in only his second term in Parliament.

Mr Benson-Pope will be responsible for the compulsory education sector - primary and secondary schooling - and special education, as well as related activities such as qualifications, the Education Review Office and the Teachers Council. Trevor Mallard will remain the vote Minister of Education, responsible for the tertiary, international and early childhood areas.

"It's pretty exciting to be entrusted with these responsibilities in one of the key Labour areas," said Mr Benson-Pope. "We pride ourselves on our focus on social issues like health and education and so I am really excited about the challenge."

Mr Benson-Pope said he was lucky to be moving into the compulsory education sector at a time when he believed all the big issues were "off the table".

He said the education issues leading up to the election included NCEA and special education.

"I think a lot of the scaremongering around NCEA is starting to dissipate. I don't have any doubt that there is room for improvement, but I think most people are really pleased with the system we have got."

As a former teacher, and with a background as former national president of the Student Teachers Association, Mr Benson-Pope said he was looking forward to working with his extensive industry contacts.

"I am going to put all my time into getting around the traps and talking to people and listening to their concerns."

Post Primary Teachers Association president Phil Smith welcomed Mr Benson-Pope's appointment.

"He has strong knowledge of the secondary sector and he has the knowledge of what the issues are. We are looking forward to working with him."

New Zealand Educational Institute president Colin Tarr also welcomed Mr Benson-Pope's appointment, but said that having the compulsory sector in the hands of the Associate Education Minister, rather than the vote minister, was surprising.

National education spokesman Bill English said Mr Mallard and Mr Benson-Pope were the two bullies of the Cabinet and with them in charge of education it would send the sector a signal to stay in line.

"There will be a few people given Heineken treatment and I'm sure they are not looking forward to it."

Since entering the Cabinet, Mr Benson-Pope has proven his worth by shepherding the Care of Children Bill through the House, the Maori fisheries settlement legislation, the aquaculture legislation, Resource Management Act changes and the controversial Civil Union Bill.

Mr Benson-Pope also keeps the jobs of Minister of Fisheries and Associate Minister for the Environment and of Justice.